Ángela Río-González1, Francisco Molina-Rueda2, Domingo Palacios-Ceña3, Isabel M Alguacil-Diego3. 1. School of Sport Science and Physical Therapy, Universidad Europea de Madrid, Madrid, Spain. 2. Department of Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Rehabilitation and Physical Medicine, Universidad Rey Juan Carlos, Avenida Atenas s/n, CP 28922, Alcorcón, Madrid, Spain. francisco.molina@urjc.es. 3. Department of Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Rehabilitation and Physical Medicine, Universidad Rey Juan Carlos, Avenida Atenas s/n, CP 28922, Alcorcón, Madrid, Spain.
Abstract
PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to describe the lived experience of lymphoedema and the barriers faced by cancer sufferers receiving physiotherapy outpatient treatment. METHODS: A qualitative, phenomenological study was performed. Purposeful sampling method was used. Data collection methods included unstructured and semi-structured interviews and researcher field notes. A thematic analysis was used. The study was conducted following the Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research guidelines. RESULTS: Eleven patients (62.18 ± 10.14 years) (90.91% women) participated. One theme was identified with different subgroups. The main theme 'Living a life with multiple barriers'-formed by the subthemes 'Discovering physical and psychological barriers', 'Searching information', 'Building relationships' and 'Controlling expenses'-displays the daily difficulties they must face in areas such as work. The patients reported that lymphoedema is a constant emotional and physical challenge. They need to adapt their lives to their new situation, learning how to manage the lymphoedema. CONCLUSIONS: Patients considered lymphoedema as a clinical situation with multiple barriers and they found that it does alter their quality of life. These results can be applied in onco-haematology units to develop specific protocols for customers.
PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to describe the lived experience of lymphoedema and the barriers faced by cancer sufferers receiving physiotherapy outpatient treatment. METHODS: A qualitative, phenomenological study was performed. Purposeful sampling method was used. Data collection methods included unstructured and semi-structured interviews and researcher field notes. A thematic analysis was used. The study was conducted following the Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research guidelines. RESULTS: Eleven patients (62.18 ± 10.14 years) (90.91% women) participated. One theme was identified with different subgroups. The main theme 'Living a life with multiple barriers'-formed by the subthemes 'Discovering physical and psychological barriers', 'Searching information', 'Building relationships' and 'Controlling expenses'-displays the daily difficulties they must face in areas such as work. The patients reported that lymphoedema is a constant emotional and physical challenge. They need to adapt their lives to their new situation, learning how to manage the lymphoedema. CONCLUSIONS:Patients considered lymphoedema as a clinical situation with multiple barriers and they found that it does alter their quality of life. These results can be applied in onco-haematology units to develop specific protocols for customers.
Entities:
Keywords:
Lymphoedema; Medical oncology; Patients; Physical therapy; Qualitative research
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