G J van Londen1, Heidi S Donovan2, Ellen B Beckjord3, Alexandra L Cardy4, Dana H Bovbjerg5, Nancy E Davidson6, Jennifer Q Morse7, Galen E Switzer8, Irma M Verdonck-de Leeuw9, Mary Amanda Dew10. 1. Division of Hematology-Oncology and Geriatric Medicine in the Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh. 2. Department of Acute and Tertiary Care, Office of Community Partnerships, University of Pittsburgh. 3. Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh. 4. Biobehavioral Oncology Program, University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute. 5. Department of Psychiatry, Psychology, Clinical and Translational Science Institute, Behavioral and Community Health Services, University of Pittsburgh. 6. University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute and UPMC. 7. School of Health Sciences, Chatham University in Pittsburgh. 8. Department of Medicine, Psychiatry, and Clinical and Translational Science, University of Pittsburgh. 9. Department of Clinical Psychology, Vrije Universiteit (VU) Medical Center, Amsterdam, Netherlands. 10. Department of Psychiatry, Psychology, Epidemiology, and Biostatistics, University of Pittsburgh.
Abstract
PURPOSE/ OBJECTIVES: To conduct an investigation of women's experiences related to adjuvant endocrine therapy (AET) and managing AET-related symptoms. RESEARCH APPROACH: Qualitative, focus group design. SETTING: Main campus of the University of Pittsburgh in Pennsylvania. PARTICIPANTS: 14 breast cancer survivors, aged 50 years or older, with AET-related symptoms. METHODOLOGIC APPROACH: Semistructured discussion guides were used to elicit recollections of conversations with healthcare providers about starting AET, symptom experiences, symptom management, and suggestions for improving management. Audiotaped discussions were transcribed and analyzed to identify themes. FINDINGS: Women reported that, initially, AET was not viewed as a choice, but rather as the necessary next step to save their lives. After starting AET, women experienced difficulties making sense of, communicating about, and managing unanticipated AET-related symptoms. Women who experienced persistently bothersome symptoms began weighing the pros and cons of AET to decide whether to continue treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Focus group findings suggest multiple opportunities to better prepare patients for AET and to improve assessment and management of AET-related symptoms. INTERPRETATION: By exploring AET-related symptom experiences, nurses may be able to promote AET adherence in breast cancer survivors.
PURPOSE/ OBJECTIVES: To conduct an investigation of women's experiences related to adjuvant endocrine therapy (AET) and managing AET-related symptoms. RESEARCH APPROACH: Qualitative, focus group design. SETTING: Main campus of the University of Pittsburgh in Pennsylvania. PARTICIPANTS: 14 breast cancer survivors, aged 50 years or older, with AET-related symptoms. METHODOLOGIC APPROACH: Semistructured discussion guides were used to elicit recollections of conversations with healthcare providers about starting AET, symptom experiences, symptom management, and suggestions for improving management. Audiotaped discussions were transcribed and analyzed to identify themes. FINDINGS:Women reported that, initially, AET was not viewed as a choice, but rather as the necessary next step to save their lives. After starting AET, women experienced difficulties making sense of, communicating about, and managing unanticipated AET-related symptoms. Women who experienced persistently bothersome symptoms began weighing the pros and cons of AET to decide whether to continue treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Focus group findings suggest multiple opportunities to better prepare patients for AET and to improve assessment and management of AET-related symptoms. INTERPRETATION: By exploring AET-related symptom experiences, nurses may be able to promote AET adherence in breast cancer survivors.
Entities:
Keywords:
adjuvant endocrine therapy; breast cancer; quality of life
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