Pain experience of lung cancer patients during home recovery after surgery: A qualitative descriptive study.

BACKGROUND: Patients with lung cancer surgery often suffer pain after discharge. However, there is limited evidence to describe the pain experience from the qualitative investigation. This study was designed to describe the pain experience of lung cancer patients during home recovery after surgery and to provide evidence for developing pain management strategies. METHODS: This qualitative descriptive study recruited 35 patients who had received lung resection and were discharged by purposive sampling from May to July 2022. Mobile phone interviews were conducted to collect views on patients' pain experience after discharge. The interviews were audio-recorded and converted verbatim into standard text, and the data were iteratively thematic analyzed. RESULTS: A thematic framework was identified for three themes: perception and impact of pain, coping styles for pain, and unmet needs for pain. Whether short or long-term after discharge, patients complain that they suffer from different degrees and types of pain, causing them a "double burden" physically and mentally. The lack of knowledge about pain may lead them to adopt very different coping styles and desire professional continuous pain management. CONCLUSIONS: This study may help clarify the status of pain problems that patients face after lung cancer surgery and provides multiple dimensions of pain assessment and management objectives for quantitative research. We call on medical staff to pay attention to patients' perspectives and related needs after discharge and formulate targeted management strategies to reduce pain and improve their quality of life.

How do the older adults in nursing homes live with dignity? A protocol for a meta-synthesis of qualitative research.

INTRODUCTION: As the population continuous to age and family sizes decrease, residing in nursing homes has emerged as a crucial option for older adults' care. Ensuring a dignified life for older adults in nursing homes is critical for enhancing their overall quality of life. The primary objective of this study is to synthesise the evidence of qualitative research on the feelings and experiences of dignity among older adults living in nursing homes. This will enable a better understanding of the factors influencing the perception of dignity and its preservation, ultimately assisting older adults in achieving a more comfortable and fulfilling experience in nursing homes. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses will guide this meta-synthesis. We conducted an initial search on 1 June 2022, for studies published between the inception of each database and 2022, using the population exposure-outcome nomenclature. We searched the Embase, Web of Science, CINAHL, Cochrane Library and PubMed databases for relevant studies. For data synthesis, we will employ the Ritchie and Spencer framework, and the Supporting the Use of Research Evidence Framework will be used for data analysis. To minimise the risk of bias, we will critically appraise the selected studies using the Qualitative Assessment and Review Instrument. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: This review does not involve human participants and, therefore, does not necessitate ethical approval. We plan to disseminate the protocol and findings through relevant channels, including publication in pertinent journals, presentations at conferences and symposia, and engagement with local and international health stakeholders. PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER: CRD42022343983. CONCLUSION: This study aims to offer comprehensive evidence to guide nursing staff in providing dignity-focused interventions for older adult residents in nursing homes.