Sigrunn Drageset1, Torill Christine Lindstrøm2, Tove Giske3, Kjell Underlid1. 1. Faculty of Health and Social Sciences, Bergen University College, Bergen, Norway. 2. Faculty of Psychology, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway. 3. Haraldsplass Deaconess University College, Bergen, Norway.
Abstract
AIM: The aim of this qualitative follow-up study was to describe women's individual experiences of social support during their first year after primary breast cancer surgery. METHOD: Individual semi-structured interviews with 10 women 1 year after surgery analysed by Kvales' meaning condensation method. FINDINGS: Sharing experiences, being understood as an individual, continuity, and information and explanations were themes identified. Sharing mutual experiences increased the women's knowledge regarding cancer, increased experience of support and minimised rumination. After 1 year, the women felt that the network around them had 'normalised' and was less supportive. Being seen as a person, not as 'a diagnosis being treated', and continuity of professional support were important, giving feelings of security and trust. The women felt uncertainty after loss of professional support post-treatment. Information and explanations regarding treatment and treatment-related problems were essential. CONCLUSIONS: Mutual sharing of experiences is an important part of social support. Continuity, availability, information and respect were essential aspects of experienced professional support.
AIM: The aim of this qualitative follow-up study was to describe women's individual experiences of social support during their first year after primary breast cancer surgery. METHOD: Individual semi-structured interviews with 10 women 1 year after surgery analysed by Kvales' meaning condensation method. FINDINGS: Sharing experiences, being understood as an individual, continuity, and information and explanations were themes identified. Sharing mutual experiences increased the women's knowledge regarding cancer, increased experience of support and minimised rumination. After 1 year, the women felt that the network around them had 'normalised' and was less supportive. Being seen as a person, not as 'a diagnosis being treated', and continuity of professional support were important, giving feelings of security and trust. The women felt uncertainty after loss of professional support post-treatment. Information and explanations regarding treatment and treatment-related problems were essential. CONCLUSIONS: Mutual sharing of experiences is an important part of social support. Continuity, availability, information and respect were essential aspects of experienced professional support.
Keywords:
breast cancer; follow-up study; healthcare professionals; nursing; patients' experiences; qualitative research; social network; social support
Authors: Cristina Civilotti; Daniela Acquadro Maran; Francesca Santagata; Antonella Varetto; Maria Rosa Stanizzo Journal: Support Care Cancer Date: 2020-02-08 Impact factor: 3.603
Authors: David Levy; Haryana M Dhillon; Anna Lomax; Michael Marthick; Catriona McNeil; Steven Kao; Judith Lacey Journal: Support Care Cancer Date: 2018-09-04 Impact factor: 3.603
Authors: Anne Versluis; Kirsten van Alphen; Wouter Dercksen; Henk de Haas; Corina van den Hurk; Ad A Kaptein Journal: Support Care Cancer Date: 2022-01-20 Impact factor: 3.603