Expectations for the recovery period after cancer treatment – a qualitative study

• The aim was to explore what expectations patients have concerning the   recovery period after completed curative cancer treatment and the   degree to which these expectations were realized slightly more than 1   year later. A purposeful sample of 16 patients was selected from a   larger study and those patients were interviewed 16 months after   treatment completion. The interviews were analysed using the   phenomenographic method. Patients' expectation for their recovery   period was generally to become well, but they often lacked plans for   how to recover. If the recovery period was perceived as 'smooth'   expectations were always met. However, if the period was perceived as   'tough' expectations were often unfulfilled, but most of these patients   were satisfied with their current life anyway owing to positive changes   and it was only a small proportion of the patients that still felt   unwell. Even though most of the patients had managed to adjust well to   the situation slightly more than 1 year after completed treatment,   several patients had not been aware of how tough recovery could be and   requested further support from the healthcare system.

Nyckelord

expectations

recovery

cancer

phenomenography

MEDICINE

MEDICIN

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