Deakin University
Browse
1/1
2 files

The transitional experience of women with newly diagnosed breast cancer

journal contribution
posted on 2019-06-01, 00:00 authored by Ingrid Villadsen Kristensen, Bodil RasmussenBodil Rasmussen, Trish LivingstonTrish Livingston, Anette Meldgaard, Ida Zerlang, Michael Birkelund, Jette Henriksen
The aim of the study was to provide insights into the transitional experience of women newly diagnosed with breast cancer progressing to their primary treatment. The psychosocial impact of patients in the recovery phase after breast cancer treatment has been investigated in recent years, however, little is known about the transition experience and psychosocial needs of Danish breast cancer patients during the phase of transition from diagnosis to treatment. This study employed a qualitative descriptive design with data collection including 12 semi-structured interviews with women undergoing radiation-or chemotherapy treatment. The transcribed interviews were analysed which identified five main themes; 1) Uncertainty, 2) Sense of powerlessness, 3) Sustaining normality, 4) Worrying about the future, 5) Fortunate only having radiotherapy. Understanding care needs of women in transition, from diagnosis to treatment, and how it impacts on their lives, is essential to enable health professionals to tailor individualized care. Early support is critical to ensure that women understand step-by-step what is involved in the treatment and care and thereby to assist them towards a positive psychosocial trajectory.

History

Journal

Journal of nursing education and practice

Volume

9

Issue

6

Pagination

23 - 31

Publisher

Sciedu Press

Location

Toronto, Ont.

ISSN

1925-4040

Language

English

Publication classification

C1 Refereed article in a scholarly journal; C Journal article

Copyright notice

2019, Sciedu Press

Usage metrics

    Research Publications

    Categories

    No categories selected

    Exports