Richard Egan1, Rebecca Llewellyn1, Sarah Wood1, Joanne Doherty2, Tira Albert3, Chris Walsh4, Kelly Atkinson5, Phil Kerslake6. 1. University of Otago, Cancer Society Social and Behavioural Research Unit, Department of Preventive and Social Medicine, New Zealand. 2. Doherty & Associates, New Zealand. 3. Mana Wahine, Kokiri Marae Health and Social Services, Wellington, New Zealand. 4. Health Quality and Safety Commission, New Zealand. 5. Cancer Society of New Zealand, Relay For Life and Community Development, New Zealand. 6. Life Paths Limited, New Zealand.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: The Cancer Stories Study aimed to identify the factors that empower people who have experienced cancer. More specifically the project sought to explore the coping and support mechanisms people adopted to help understand and manage their cancer experience. METHODS: A participatory research approach involved researchers and consumers working in partnership on the project. This research team agreed on a qualitative method that focused on cancer survivors' personal stories. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 38 cancer survivors in the lower half of the North Island, New Zealand (NZ). Generic qualitative analysis methods were employed including the recording, transcribing and thematic coding of interview narratives. RESULTS: Seven distinct themes were classified under the overarching theme of empowerment: attitude, change, family/whānau and friends, healthcare professionals and services, sources of support, employment and tangata whenua (NZ's indigenous peoples). The unique needs of each individual were strongly emphasised throughout all the themes indicating a 'one-size-fits-all' approach has its limitations. The need for improvements in communication, cultural and spiritual care was highlighted by many participants. CONCLUSIONS: It is anticipated that this project will contribute to a greater understanding of the factors that might empower people in their cancer journey. An empowerment lens, that asks how those affected by cancer may be further enabled at an individual, family/whānau, employer and healthcare professional level may be useful in assisting people navigate and manage their cancer.
OBJECTIVE: The Cancer Stories Study aimed to identify the factors that empower people who have experienced cancer. More specifically the project sought to explore the coping and support mechanisms people adopted to help understand and manage their cancer experience. METHODS: A participatory research approach involved researchers and consumers working in partnership on the project. This research team agreed on a qualitative method that focused on cancer survivors' personal stories. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 38 cancer survivors in the lower half of the North Island, New Zealand (NZ). Generic qualitative analysis methods were employed including the recording, transcribing and thematic coding of interview narratives. RESULTS: Seven distinct themes were classified under the overarching theme of empowerment: attitude, change, family/whānau and friends, healthcare professionals and services, sources of support, employment and tangata whenua (NZ's indigenous peoples). The unique needs of each individual were strongly emphasised throughout all the themes indicating a 'one-size-fits-all' approach has its limitations. The need for improvements in communication, cultural and spiritual care was highlighted by many participants. CONCLUSIONS: It is anticipated that this project will contribute to a greater understanding of the factors that might empower people in their cancer journey. An empowerment lens, that asks how those affected by cancer may be further enabled at an individual, family/whānau, employer and healthcare professional level may be useful in assisting people navigate and manage their cancer.
Authors: C M Tiedtke; B Dierckx de Casterlé; M H W Frings-Dresen; A G E M De Boer; M A Greidanus; S J Tamminga; A E De Rijk Journal: J Cancer Surviv Date: 2017-07-14 Impact factor: 4.442