Thora G Thomsen1, Bibi Hølge-Hazelton. 1. Author Affiliations: Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Sjællands Universitetshospital, Denmark, and Faculty of Health Sciences, Institute of Regional Health Services Research, University of Southern Denmark, (Dr Thomsen); and Roskilde and Køge Hospitals, and Research Unit for General Practice and Section of General Practice, Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, Denmark (Dr Hølge-Hazelton).
Abstract
BACKGROUND: In the transition between being a hospitalized patient with cancer and resuming "normal" life, many patients experience physical, mental, and social challenges. Scientifically, as well as politically, it is therefore recommended to undertake research with a focus on rethinking and reorganizing follow-up after cancer treatment. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to identify the perspectives of fast-track colorectal cancer surgery patients on challenges experienced in the transition from being a hospitalized patient with cancer to being a cancer survivor. METHODS: The current article represents phase 1 in an ongoing action research project. Data were analyzed by using the "interpretive description" method. RESULTS: Twelve patients (6 male and 6 female patients; mean age, 72.4 years) participated in the study. The analyses show that the patients physically experienced readiness to leave hospital after a few days; however, shortly after returning home, most of them became mentally overwhelmed by the feeling of vulnerability that was closely related to the feeling of being handed over the responsibility for a newly cancer-operated body and a fragile life situation. Four issues that challenged the patients emerged from the analysis: restore an everyday life, participate in a follow-up program, get relevant information, and manage contact with relevant health professionals. CONCLUSIONS: The study indicates that the transition to restoring a normal life after cancer surgery had been an experience characterized by more vulnerability than expected by the patients in the study. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: The findings provide 4 well-defined themes, each of which constitutes a point of departure related to focused patient-centered interventions related to follow-up after cancer surgery.
BACKGROUND: In the transition between being a hospitalized patient with cancer and resuming "normal" life, many patients experience physical, mental, and social challenges. Scientifically, as well as politically, it is therefore recommended to undertake research with a focus on rethinking and reorganizing follow-up after cancer treatment. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to identify the perspectives of fast-track colorectal cancer surgery patients on challenges experienced in the transition from being a hospitalized patient with cancer to being a cancer survivor. METHODS: The current article represents phase 1 in an ongoing action research project. Data were analyzed by using the "interpretive description" method. RESULTS: Twelve patients (6 male and 6 female patients; mean age, 72.4 years) participated in the study. The analyses show that the patients physically experienced readiness to leave hospital after a few days; however, shortly after returning home, most of them became mentally overwhelmed by the feeling of vulnerability that was closely related to the feeling of being handed over the responsibility for a newly cancer-operated body and a fragile life situation. Four issues that challenged the patients emerged from the analysis: restore an everyday life, participate in a follow-up program, get relevant information, and manage contact with relevant health professionals. CONCLUSIONS: The study indicates that the transition to restoring a normal life after cancer surgery had been an experience characterized by more vulnerability than expected by the patients in the study. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: The findings provide 4 well-defined themes, each of which constitutes a point of departure related to focused patient-centered interventions related to follow-up after cancer surgery.
Authors: Emily Hladkowicz; Flavia Dumitrascu; Mohammad Auais; Andrew Beck; Sascha Davis; Daniel I McIsaac; Jordan Miller Journal: BMC Geriatr Date: 2022-04-15 Impact factor: 4.070