Hiroko Komatsu1, Kaori Yagasaki2, Kenro Hirata3, Yasuo Hamamoto4. 1. Faculty of Nursing and Medical Care, Keio University, 35 Shinanomachi, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, 160-8582, Japan. Electronic address: komah@sfc.keio.ac.jp. 2. Faculty of Nursing and Medical Care, Keio University, 35 Shinanomachi, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, 160-8582, Japan. Electronic address: yagasaki@sfc.keio.ac.jp. 3. Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Keio University School of Medicine, 35 Shinanomachi, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, 160-8582, Japan. Electronic address: kenro916@gmail.com. 4. Keio Cancer Center, Keio University School of Medicine, 35 Shinanomachi, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, 160-8582, Japan. Electronic address: yhamamoto@z2.keio.jp.
Abstract
PURPOSE: The objective of this qualitative study was to understand the perceived needs of advanced-stage cancer patients with chemotherapy-related hand-foot syndrome (HFS) and/or targeted therapy-related hand-foot skin reaction (HFSR). METHOD: Face-to-face interviews were conducted with 20 outpatients with advanced/recurrent cancer and chemotherapy-related HFS and/or targeted therapy-related HFSR using a semi-structured interview guide at Keio University Hospital, Tokyo, Japan. Thematic analysis was used to analyse the data. RESULTS: The unmet needs of cancer patients with chemotherapy-related HFS and/or targeted therapy-related HFSR was identified through four themes: a sense of helplessness with persistent symptoms, noticeable appearance as a barrier to social participation, decreased willingness to work and continue treatment, and need of individual coping strategies. CONCLUSION: This study revealed unmet needs of cancer patients with chemotherapy-related HFS and/or targeted therapy-related HFSR that are not often voiced. Health care providers should provide full information in advance and find the best coping strategy for individual patients.
PURPOSE: The objective of this qualitative study was to understand the perceived needs of advanced-stage cancerpatients with chemotherapy-related hand-foot syndrome (HFS) and/or targeted therapy-related hand-foot skin reaction (HFSR). METHOD: Face-to-face interviews were conducted with 20 outpatients with advanced/recurrent cancer and chemotherapy-related HFS and/or targeted therapy-related HFSR using a semi-structured interview guide at Keio University Hospital, Tokyo, Japan. Thematic analysis was used to analyse the data. RESULTS: The unmet needs of cancerpatients with chemotherapy-related HFS and/or targeted therapy-related HFSR was identified through four themes: a sense of helplessness with persistent symptoms, noticeable appearance as a barrier to social participation, decreased willingness to work and continue treatment, and need of individual coping strategies. CONCLUSION: This study revealed unmet needs of cancerpatients with chemotherapy-related HFS and/or targeted therapy-related HFSR that are not often voiced. Health care providers should provide full information in advance and find the best coping strategy for individual patients.