A grounded theory exploration of the first visit to a cancer clinic--strategies for achieving acceptance.

• The purpose of this study was to investigate cancer patients' experiences of their first visit to a cancer clinic. Nine patients with various cancer diagnoses about to receive curative cancer treatment were interviewed after their first visit to the clinic. A qualitative research approach based on Grounded Theory was used throughout the research process. The data analysis gave rise to a process leading to a core category which showed how patients can reach acceptance of the impact cancer has on their lives. Five different categories were identified as being important for reaching acceptance, namely action, knowledge, respect, continuity and confidence. The patients expressed the need for receiving treatment for their cancer without delay, and for continuity in their care. They needed to be given individualized, relevant information about their illness and to be treated with respect. If these needs were met a feeling of confidence resulted. Meeting all of these needs helped patients accept the impact cancer had on their lives, as did confidence in the care being given. Acceptance was reached when patients felt they could actively participate in treatment decisions, when they knew what to expect and when they felt they were being treated as individuals. Health care professionals should be aware of these needs, and should try to treat their patients as individuals and thus help them to achieve acceptance.

Subject headings

MEDICIN OCH HÄLSOVETENSKAP  -- Hälsovetenskap -- Omvårdnad (hsv//swe)

MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES  -- Health Sciences -- Nursing (hsv//eng)

Keyword

Adaptation

Psychological

Adult

Aged

Aged

80 and over

Ambulatory Care

psychology

Attitude of Health Personnel

Attitude to Health

Continuity of Patient Care

standards

Cost of Illness

Female

Humans

Male

Middle Aged

Models

Psychological

Needs Assessment

Neoplasms

psychology

Nursing Methodology Research

Patient Education as Topic

standards

Professional-Patient Relations

Qualitative Research

Questionnaires

Self Efficacy

Sweden

Publication and Content Type

ref (subject category)

art (subject category)