Wei How Darryl Ang1, Siew Ping Lang2, Emily Ang3, Violeta Lopez4. 1. Oncology Department, National University Health System, Singapore, Singapore. 2. National Cancer Institute Singapore, National University Health System, Singapore, Singapore. 3. Alice Lee Centre for Nursing Studies, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, MD 11, Level 2, Clinical Research Centre, 10 Medical Drive, Singapore, 117597, Singapore. 4. Alice Lee Centre for Nursing Studies, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, MD 11, Level 2, Clinical Research Centre, 10 Medical Drive, Singapore, 117597, Singapore. nurvl@nus.edu.sg.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: The National Cancer Institute Singapore initiated the NUH2 Home program in January 2014, referred to as "Caring Across the Cancer Continuum," a nurse-led cancer transitional care service (CTCS) that provides home care to patients with cancer and their caregivers. The study aimed to explore the transition experiences of patients with cancer and their caregivers. METHOD: Using a purposive sampling, 12 patients with cancer and 12 caregivers were recruited. Audiotape interviews were conducted until data saturation was achieved. Each interview was transcribed verbatim, and thematic analyses were performed to extract significant themes and subthemes. RESULTS: Four themes emerged from the data including (1) ongoing concerns, (2) needing timely help, (3) resuming control and normality of life, and (4) appreciating the transition care. The transition journey of patients and caregivers provided them with an ability to regain control and normality in their lives, be reassured and confident in being able to care for themselves and manage the physiological and psychological strains associated with the multiple vicissitudes associated with having cancer and its treatment while at home. CONCLUSION: Our study addressed the nature, patterns, conditions, and responses to transition care. Our findings provided relevant contextual knowledge to further improve the transition care service based on the recommendations of the patients with cancer and their caregivers who first experienced the new service.
BACKGROUND: The National Cancer Institute Singapore initiated the NUH2 Home program in January 2014, referred to as "Caring Across the Cancer Continuum," a nurse-led cancer transitional care service (CTCS) that provides home care to patients with cancer and their caregivers. The study aimed to explore the transition experiences of patients with cancer and their caregivers. METHOD: Using a purposive sampling, 12 patients with cancer and 12 caregivers were recruited. Audiotape interviews were conducted until data saturation was achieved. Each interview was transcribed verbatim, and thematic analyses were performed to extract significant themes and subthemes. RESULTS: Four themes emerged from the data including (1) ongoing concerns, (2) needing timely help, (3) resuming control and normality of life, and (4) appreciating the transition care. The transition journey of patients and caregivers provided them with an ability to regain control and normality in their lives, be reassured and confident in being able to care for themselves and manage the physiological and psychological strains associated with the multiple vicissitudes associated with having cancer and its treatment while at home. CONCLUSION: Our study addressed the nature, patterns, conditions, and responses to transition care. Our findings provided relevant contextual knowledge to further improve the transition care service based on the recommendations of the patients with cancer and their caregivers who first experienced the new service.
Authors: Aimee Kendall Roundtree; Sharon H Giordano; Andrea Price; Maria E Suarez-Almazor Journal: Support Care Cancer Date: 2010-12-09 Impact factor: 3.603
Authors: Margaret B Harrison; Gina B Browne; Jacqueline Roberts; Peter Tugwell; Amiram Gafni; Ian D Graham Journal: Med Care Date: 2002-04 Impact factor: 2.983
Authors: Jo-Ana D Chase; David Russell; Meridith Rice; Carmen Abbott; Kathryn H Bowles; David R Mehr Journal: Res Gerontol Nurs Date: 2019-03-25 Impact factor: 1.571
Authors: Paul Y Takahashi; Dawn M Finnie; Stephanie M Quigg; Lynn S Borkenhagen; Ashok Kumbamu; Ashley K Kimeu; Joan M Griffin Journal: Clin Interv Aging Date: 2018-12-19 Impact factor: 4.458