Conceptualisation of medication beliefs among patients with advanced cancer receiving oral oncolytic agents using a theory derivation approach.

OBJECTIVE: This paper describes a derived model that provides a conceptual framework for understanding medication beliefs among patients with advanced cancer receiving oral oncolytic agents. METHODS: Theory derivation was used to (a) examine the phenomenon of medication beliefs in cross-disciplinary research; (b) select a parent theory for derivation; (c) identify parent theory concepts and/or structure to use in derivation; and (d) redefine parent theory concepts and structure to create a derived model. RESULTS: Medication beliefs are shaped by previous experiences, including cognitive and emotional factors, past health and illness encounters, and medication-taking behaviours. Medication beliefs are defined within a larger mental model of illness representation for which medication was prescribed. Individuals independently hold both positive and negative medication beliefs at the same time. This distinction is critical to understanding how dichotomous components of medication beliefs change over time as they are influenced by varying treatment-related factors. CONCLUSION: This paper contributes to conceptual knowledge regarding the phenomenon of medication beliefs and their impact on health behaviour. Findings can support oncology interventions to improve patient outcomes including medication adherence.