Competencia profesional de enfermeros en unidades de urgencias y emergencias: estudio de método mixto / Nurses' professional competencies in urgency and emergency units: A mixed-methods study / Competências profissionais dos enfermeiros de unidades de urgência e emergência: estudo de método misto

Objetivo: describir las competencias profesionales de los enfermeros que trabajan en urgencias y emergencias y comprender la percepción que tienen sobre las competencias esenciales para el desempeño y la actualización profesional. Método: estudio secuencial explicativo de métodos mixtos, realizado con enfermeros de urgencias y emergencias. Para obtener datos cuantitativos, se utilizó un cuestionario con 78 ítems, respondido por 39 enfermeros, que fueron analizados mediante estadística descriptiva y pruebas no paramétricas. Los datos cualitativos se obtuvieron a través de entrevistas semiestructuradas con 17 enfermeros, que fueron interpretados mediante el análisis temático de contenido inductivo. Los datos se combinaron por conexión. Resultados: se obtuvo un alto nivel de competencia en la autoevaluación de los enfermeros de urgencias y emergencias en el factor 2 - relaciones en el trabajo y un nivel más bajo en el factor 6 - excelencia profesional (p=0,036). Los datos cualitativos coincidieron positivamente con el factor relaciones en el trabajo, identificando la asociación entre conocimiento y experiencia práctica con las competencias, además de un escenario que carece de educación continua. Conclusión: a pesar de los altos niveles de competencia identificados en los enfermeros de urgencias y emergencias, el fortalecimiento de las estrategias educativas favorece el desarrollo y reconocimiento profesional.

Objective: to describe the professional competencies of nurses working in urgency and emergency services and to understand their perception of the essential competencies for professional performance and updating. Method: a sequential, mixed-methods and explanatory study, conducted with emergency nurses. To obtain the quantitative data, a questionnaire with 78 items was used, answered by 39 nurses and analyzed using descriptive statistics and non-parametric tests. In turn, the qualitative data were obtained through semi-structured interviews with 17 nurses, whose interpretation was based on inductive content thematic analysis. The data were combined by connection. Results: a high level of competence was obtained in the self-assessment of urgency and emergency nurses in Factor 2 - Relations at work and a lower level in Factor 6 - Professional excellence (p=0.036). The qualitative data corroborated positively with the "Relations at work" factor, identifying the association of knowledge and practical experience, with competencies beyond a scenario devoid of permanent education. Conclusion: despite the high levels of competence identified in emergency nurses, the strengthening of educational strategies favors professional development and recognition.

Objetivo: descrever as competências profissionais dos enfermeiros que atuam em urgência e emergência e compreender sua percepção a respeito das competências essenciais para a atuação e a atualização profissional. Método: estudo sequencial explanatório de métodos mistos, realizado com enfermeiros de urgência e emergência. Para a obtenção dos dados quantitativos, utilizou-se um questionário com 78 itens, respondidos por 39 enfermeiros, que foram analisados mediante estatística descritiva e testes não paramétricos. Já os dados qualitativos, foram obtidos por entrevista semiestruturada realizada com 17 enfermeiros, cuja interpretação deu-se pela análise temática de conteúdo indutiva. Os dados foram combinados por conexão. Resultados: obteve-se alto nível de competência na autoavaliação dos enfermeiros de urgência e emergência no fator 2 - relações no trabalho e menor nível no fator 6 - excelência profissional (p=0,036). Os dados qualitativos corroboraram de forma positiva com o fator relações no trabalho, identificando a associação do conhecimento e experiência prática com competências, além de um cenário desprovido de educação permanente. Conclusão: apesar de altos níveis de competência identificados nos enfermeiros de urgência e emergência, o fortalecimento de estratégias educacionais favorece o desenvolvimento e o reconhecimento profissional.

Factores promotores y amenazadores de Esperanza en cuidadores de niños con condiciones crónicas / Factors that promote and threaten Hope in caregivers of children with chronic conditions / Fatores promotores e ameaçadores da Esperança em cuidadores de crianças com condições crônicas

Objetivo: identificar los factores que promueven y amenazan la Esperanza en cuidadores familiares de niños de 2 a 3 años con condiciones crónicas. Método: estudio cualitativo, incluyendo 46 cuidadores familiares de niños con condición crónica de 2 a 3 años, egresados de dos Unidades de Cuidados Intensivos Neonatales. La recolección de datos ocurrió mediante entrevistas semiestructuradas guiadas por el Modelo de Intervención en Ayuda Mutua Promotora de Esperanza. Los datos fueron sometidos a análisis temático deductivo. Resultados: se identificaron como factores promotores de la Esperanza: la experiencia compartida con los miembros de la red social de apoyo; la relación con el niño; mejoría clínica del niño; espiritualidad; orientación positiva para el futuro. Se identificaron como factores amenazadores de la Esperanza: relaciones conflictivas y incredulidad con relación al niño por parte de personas cercanas; incertidumbres sobre el futuro; inseguridades sobre la capacidad de cuidar al niño. Conclusión: los factores amenazadores de Esperanza generaron sufrimiento, dolor, angustia, ansiedad y soledad en los cuidadores. Los factores promotores de Esperanza generaron consuelo, motivación, fuerza y alegría. Los hallazgos permiten a los enfermeros reconocer las fortalezas y debilidades de los cuidadores y promover la adopción de comportamientos que promuevan la Esperanza en los cuidadores de niños con condiciones crónicas.

Objective: to identify the factors that promote and threaten Hope in family caregivers of 2- to 3-year-old children with chronic conditions. Method: qualitative study with 46 family caregivers of children between 2 and 3 years old with a chronic condition, discharged from two Neonatal Intensive Care Units. Data was collected through semi-structured interviews guided by the Model for Intervention in Mutual Help Promoter of Hope. Data were submitted to deductive thematic analysis. Results: the following were identified as factors that promote Hope: The experience shared with members of the social support network; The relationship with the child; Clinical improvement of the child; Spirituality; Positive guidance for the future. The following were identified as factors that threaten Hope: Conflictual relationships and discredit of the child by close people; Uncertainties about the future; Insecurities about the ability to care for the child. Conclusion: the threatening factors of Hope generated suffering, pain, anguish, anxiety, and loneliness in caregivers. The promoting factors of Hope generated comfort, motivation, strength and joy. The findings allow Nurses to recognize the strengths and weaknesses of caregivers and adopt behaviors that promote Hope in caregivers of children with chronic conditions.

Objetivo: identificar quais são os fatores promotores e ameaçadores da Esperança em cuidadores familiares de crianças de 2 a 3 anos com condições crônicas. Método: estudo qualitativo, incluindo 46 cuidadores familiares de crianças com condição crônica de 2 a 3 anos egressas de duas Unidades de Terapia Intensiva Neonatal. A coleta de dados se deu por meio de entrevista semiestruturada orientada pelo Modelo de Intervenção em Ajuda Mútua Promotor de Esperança. Os dados foram submetidos à análise temática dedutiva. Resultados: foram identificados como fatores promotores da Esperança: A experiência compartilhada com membros da rede de apoio social; A relação com a criança; Melhora clínica da criança; Espiritualidade; Orientação positiva para o futuro. Foram identificados como fatores ameaçadores da Esperança: Relações conflituosas e descrença da criança por pessoas próximas; Incertezas sobre o futuro; Inseguranças sobre a capacidade de prestar os cuidados à criança. Conclusão: os fatores ameaçadores da Esperança geraram sofrimento, dor, angústia, ansiedade e solidão nos cuidadores. Os fatores promotores da Esperança geraram conforto, motivação, força e alegria. Os achados possibilitam que Enfermeiros reconheçam as potencialidades e fragilidades dos cuidadores e promovam a adoção de comportamentos promotores de Esperança em cuidadores de crianças com condições crônicas.

Information technologies as organizational support for the COVID-19 coping actions: Nurses' discourse / Tecnologias da informação como apoio organizacional das ações de enfrentamento da COVID-19: discurso de enfermeiros / Tecnologías de la información como apoyo organizacional para luchar contra el COVID-19: el discurso de los enfermeros

Abstract Objective: to analyze nurses' discourse about the potentialities in using information technologies as organizational support for the COVID-19 coping actions in Primary Health Care. Method: a qualitative and exploratory study conducted in the Family Health Strategy units from the city of João Pessoa, Paraíba, Brazil. Data collection was carried out from September to November 2021 with 26 nurses selected through the snowball technique, resorting to a semi-structured interview script. The empirical material was organized in the Atlas.ti 9 software and grounded on the theoretical-methodological contribution of Discourse Analysis, French Line. Results: three discursive blocks were evidenced: innovation based on social media; health education actions; resoluteness in organizational actions, presenting the relevance of the WhatsApp®, Instagram® and Facebook® apps as strategic resources, in order to collaborate in the Primary Health Care are with the organization of health actions against COVID-19 by nurses. Conclusion: health units have the potential to strengthen the assistance provided through digital organizational devices; however, they need political support that invests in the structure and strategies to enhance organization of the health actions.

Resumo Objetivo: analisar o discurso de enfermeiros acerca das potencialidades na utilização das tecnologias da informação como apoio organizacional das ações de enfrentamento da COVID-19 na Atenção Primária à Saúde. Método: estudo qualitativo e exploratório, realizado nas unidades da Estratégia Saúde da Família, na cidade de João Pessoa, Paraíba, Brasil. A coleta de dados foi realizada de setembro a novembro de 2021 com 26 enfermeiros selecionados por meio da snowball technique, utilizando-se de roteiro de entrevista semiestruturado. O material empírico foi organizado no software Atlas.ti 9 e fundamentado com base no aporte teórico-metodológico da Análise do Discurso de linha francesa. Resultados: evidenciaram-se três blocos discursivos: inovação a partir das mídias sociais; ações de educação em saúde; resolutividade nas ações organizacionais, apresentando a relevância dos aplicativos WhatsApp®, Instagram® e Facebook® como recursos estratégicos, de forma a colaborar para a área de Atenção Primária à Saúde com a organização das ações de saúde frente à COVID-19 por enfermeiros. Conclusão: as unidades de saúde possuem potencial para fortalecer a assistência por meio dos dispositivos organizacionais digitais, no entanto, necessitam de apoio político que invista na estrutura e em estratégias para potencializar a organização das ações de saúde.

Resumen Objetivo: analizar el discurso de los enfermeros sobre el potencial que tienen las tecnologías de la información como apoyo organizacional a las acciones en la lucha contra el COVID-19 en la Atención Primaria de Salud. Método: estudio cualitativo y exploratorio, realizado en unidades de la Estrategia Salud de la Familia, en la ciudad de João Pessoa, Paraíba, Brasil. La recolección de datos se realizó de septiembre a noviembre de 2021 con 26 enfermeros seleccionados mediante la técnica de bola de nieve, utilizando un formulario de entrevista semiestructurada. El material empírico fue organizado en el software Atlas.ti 9 y se basó en el aporte teórico-metodológico del Análisis del Discurso de la escuela francesa. Resultados: se observaron tres bloques discursivos: innovación desde las redes sociales; acciones de educación para la salud; resolutividad en las acciones organizacionales, que muestran la importancia de las aplicaciones WhatsApp®, Instagram® y Facebook® como recursos estratégicos, que colaboran en el área de Atención Primaria de Salud con la organización de las acciones de salud contra el COVID-19 que llevan a cabo los enfermeros. Conclusión: las unidades de salud tienen potencial para fortalecer la atención a través de dispositivos organizacionales digitales, pero necesitan apoyo político que invierta en la estructura y en estrategias para mejorar la organización de las acciones de salud.

Cultural Considerations for Patient and Community Education in Global Health: A Qualitative Study in Lesotho.

Background: In global health, international nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) frequently hire, train, and partner with host-country clinicians who manage public outreach and patient care. Purpose and Research Design: We conducted a general interpretivist study of Basotho clinicians hired by NGOs and academic affiliates in Lesotho to identify cultural barriers and facilitators to community and patient education. Data Collection and Analysis: We conducted 13 interviews involving 16 participants (one physician, one nutritionist, 14 nurses). Using an inductive and iterative approach, we analyzed interview transcripts through the lens of social cognitive theory and identified 15 themes. Results: Major findings highlighted: 1) patient and community learners may view Basotho clinicians as authority figures; 2) family and community power dynamics affect healthcare access for vulnerable patient groups; and 3) village leaders may refuse community education when excluded from problem-solving and early planning. Conclusions: Although local clinicians and community members may identify with the same cultural group, clinicians can encounter cultural barriers to patient and community education.

"Discrimination is harder to live with than the disease": an interview study of the perceptions and experiences of sexual and reproductive health and rights among women living with HIV in Sweden.

Around 40% of people living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in Sweden are women. However, little is known about their experiences, particularly those related to sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR). This study aims to explore perceptions and experiences of SRHR among women living with HIV (LWH). Twelve interviews were conducted with women LWH from September to October 2019 and analysed using thematic analysis. The central theme describing participants' experiences of social relationships, intimate encounters and reproductive life, "Discrimination is harder to live with than the disease itself", is based on three themes that contain subthemes. Theme 1 describes how participants reconsider and reorient their sexual and reproductive life after diagnosis. Theme 2 highlights how (mis)perceptions of HIV affect sexual and reproductive life and lead to abusive treatment and internalisation. Theme 3 describes a paradoxical shift of responsibilities where participants experience being compelled to take greater responsibility in some situations and stripped of the right to decide in others. This study suggests that despite notable progress in HIV treatment, stigma and discrimination stemming from outdated beliefs and (mis)conceptions, ambiguous policies and guidelines, and unequal access to information affect SRHR experiences of women LWH more than the virus itself. The results emphasise the need to: update knowledge within healthcare settings and among the public; clarify ambiguous legislations and guidelines; ensure equal access to information to enable all women LWH to take informed decisions, make fully informed choices and realise their SRHR; and consider the diversity of women LWH and enable shared decision-making.

Evaluation of the Rosa Chatbot Providing Genetic Information to Patients at Risk of Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer: Qualitative Interview Study.

BACKGROUND: Genetic testing has become an integrated part of health care for patients with breast or ovarian cancer, and the increasing demand for genetic testing is accompanied by an increasing need for easy access to reliable genetic information for patients. Therefore, we developed a chatbot app (Rosa) that is able to perform humanlike digital conversations about genetic BRCA testing. OBJECTIVE: Before implementing this new information service in daily clinical practice, we wanted to explore 2 aspects of chatbot use: the perceived utility and trust in chatbot technology among healthy patients at risk of hereditary cancer and how interaction with a chatbot regarding sensitive information about hereditary cancer influences patients. METHODS: Overall, 175 healthy individuals at risk of hereditary breast and ovarian cancer were invited to test the chatbot, Rosa, before and after genetic counseling. To secure a varied sample, participants were recruited from all cancer genetic clinics in Norway, and the selection was based on age, gender, and risk of having a BRCA pathogenic variant. Among the 34.9% (61/175) of participants who consented for individual interview, a selected subgroup (16/61, 26%) shared their experience through in-depth interviews via video. The semistructured interviews covered the following topics: usability, perceived usefulness, trust in the information received via the chatbot, how Rosa influenced the user, and thoughts about future use of digital tools in health care. The transcripts were analyzed using the stepwise-deductive inductive approach. RESULTS: The overall finding was that the chatbot was very welcomed by the participants. They appreciated the 24/7 availability wherever they were and the possibility to use it to prepare for genetic counseling and to repeat and ask questions about what had been said afterward. As Rosa was created by health care professionals, they also valued the information they received as being medically correct. Rosa was referred to as being better than Google because it provided specific and reliable answers to their questions. The findings were summed up in 3 concepts: "Anytime, anywhere"; "In addition, not instead"; and "Trustworthy and true." All participants (16/16) denied increased worry after reading about genetic testing and hereditary breast and ovarian cancer in Rosa. CONCLUSIONS: Our results indicate that a genetic information chatbot has the potential to contribute to easy access to uniform information for patients at risk of hereditary breast and ovarian cancer, regardless of geographical location. The 24/7 availability of quality-assured information, tailored to the specific situation, had a reassuring effect on our participants. It was consistent across concepts that Rosa was a tool for preparation and repetition; however, none of the participants (0/16) supported that Rosa could replace genetic counseling if hereditary cancer was confirmed. This indicates that a chatbot can be a well-suited digital companion to genetic counseling.

Hospital clinicians' perceptions and experiences of care pathways for chronic limb-threatening ischaemia: a qualitative study.

BACKGROUND: Chronic limb-threatening ischaemia (CLTI) is a condition associated with significant risks of lower limb loss and mortality, which increase with delays in management. Guidance recommends urgent referral and assessment, but delays are evident at every stage of the CLTI patient pathway. This study uses qualitative methods to explore hospital clinicians' experiences and perceptions of the existing CLTI pathway. METHODS: A qualitative interview study was conducted. Semi-structured interviews were undertaken with 13 clinicians involved in the assessment of patients referred to hospital with suspected CLTI, identified via purposive sampling from English vascular surgery units. Clinicians included podiatrists, vascular specialist nurses and doctors. Reflexive thematic analysis was performed on the data from a critical realist position. RESULTS: The need for speed was the single overarching theme identified. Four linked underlying themes were also identified; 1. Vascular surgery as the poor relation (compared to cancer and other specialties), with a sub-theme of CLTI being a challenging diagnosis. 2. Some patients are more equal than others, with sub-themes of diabetes vs. non-diabetes, hub vs. spoke and frailty vs. non-frail. 3. Life in the National Health Service (NHS) is tough, with sub-themes of lack of resource and we're all under pressure. 4. Non-surgeons can help. CONCLUSIONS: The underlying themes generated from the rich interview data describe barriers to timely referral, assessment and management of CLTI, as well as the utility of non-surgical roles such as podiatrists and vascular specialist nurses as a potential solution for delays. The overarching theme of the need for speed highlights the meaning given to adverse consequences of delays in management of CLTI by clinicians involved in its assessment. Future improvement projects aimed at the CLTI pathway should take these findings into account.

Pain catastrophising in Chinese patients with breast cancer during postoperative chemotherapy: a qualitative study.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the pain catastrophising in patients with breast cancer during postoperative chemotherapy. METHODS: Objective sampling method was used to select patients with breast cancer who underwent breast surgery and received chemotherapy in a third-class hospital of Wuhan from October to December 2022 through semi-structured interview. The interview data were sorted out and analysed by content analysis method. RESULTS: A total of 11 patients were interviewed and five categories were summarised: (1) Physical memory of pain; (2) the special meaning of time; (3) disease treatment and prognosis; (4) interpersonal communication and coping; (5) personal behaviour and growth. CONCLUSION: Patients with breast cancer have adverse pain experience during postoperative chemotherapy. The evaluation and screening of psychological variables such as pain catastrophising should be strengthened to provide new ideas for pain management.

"Healthcare should be the same for everyone": perceived inequities in therapeutic trajectories of adult patients with lung cancer in Chile, a qualitative study.

Background: Globally, it has been reported that different social determinants of health affect health outcomes in lung cancer (LC). Research on the therapeutic trajectories of patients (TTP) is a novel field for identifying barriers and facilitators in health. The objective of this study was to reveal perceived differences in TTP with LC in Chile according to selected social determinants of health (SDH) and the experiences of patients, health professionals, and civil society leaders. Methods: This is a qualitative paradigm, one case-study design. Online semi-structured interviews were conducted with patients with LC, health professionals, and civil society leaders. The strategies for the recruitment process included social networks, civil society organizations, health professionals, and the snowball technique. A thematic analysis was carried out. Results: Selected SDH impact LC's TTP in Chile, particularly concerning health system access, health services, information, and patient navigation experiences. The analysis of the experiences of the participants allowed us to identify barriers related to the selected SDH in three stages of the TTP: initiation, examinations, and diagnosis and treatment. Individuals with limited education, those residing outside the capital, women, and those in the public health system encountered more barriers throughout their TTP. Discussion: Study findings suggest that being a woman with low education, from the public health system, and not from the capital might represent one of the most powerful intersections for experiencing barriers to effective healthcare in LC in Chile. It is necessary to monitor the TTP from an SDH perspective to guarantee the rights of access, opportunity, quality, and financial protection.

Finding the Optimal Exercise Dose While Living With Cancer-Related Fatigue: A Qualitative Study.

PURPOSE: To gain insight into how survivors of breast cancer (SBCs) with cancer-related fatigue (CRF) self-monitor and manage exercise dose in the context of daily life, and how they identify an optimal exercise dose. PARTICIPANTS & SETTING: 11 SBCs with CRF who reported weekly exercise were recruited from a breast cancer center at a large urban hospital in the northeastern region of the United States. METHODOLOGIC APPROACH: One-on-one semistructured interviews were conducted using a descriptive phenomenologic method. Inductive data analysis was performed within and across cases. FINDINGS: The following themes emerged: examining the impact of exercise, finding an optimal dose, and remaining flexible to sustain exercise. Participants used trial and error to explore exercise dose, examining the effects of varying doses on daily life. These effects had behavioral implications and resulted in a nonlinear process and the perception that an optimal exercise dose is dynamic within the context of daily life. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING: Strategies to support SBCs with CRF to efficiently achieve optimal exercise doses with fewer setbacks may improve individuals' ability to self-manage and mitigate CRF. This study's findings provide practical approaches for nurses to encourage the initiation and adoption of exercise behaviors after treatment for breast cancer.

Changes in Health-Related Quality of Life During Multiple Myeloma Treatment: A Qualitative Interview Study.

PURPOSE: To explore whether patients with multiple myeloma changed their construct of health-related quality of life during treatment. PARTICIPANTS & SETTING: 14 participants were selected from 10 hematology-oncology departments in Denmark. METHODOLOGIC APPROACH: This interview study used a prospective, longitudinal, exploratory design. Semistructured interviews were conducted while participants were undergoing active treatment for multiple myeloma and six months after the baseline interview. Interviews were analyzed using systematic text condensation. FINDINGS: The overall theme at baseline was insecurity, and the overall theme at six months was coping. The following subthemes were also identified based on participants' description of their health-related quality of life: concerns about having a meaningful life, dealing with everyday limitations, and maintaining social networks; adjusting expectations to abilities; expanding social networks; and exploring a meaningful life. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING: Patients' ability to use coping strategies should be considered when screening for rehabilitation needs. During systematic in-depth symptom screening, unmet rehabilitation needs (e.g., physical functioning, fatigue, pain) may become apparent.

The 'inbetweeners': living on a watch and wait approach for chronic lymphocytic leukaemia - a qualitative study.

BACKGROUND: Chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) is an incurable disease; many people with the condition do not require active treatment and are monitored using a watch and wait approach. AIM: The aim of this study was to explore the experiences of people living with a diagnosis of CLL and on watch and wait. METHODS: Using a descriptive qualitative approach, seven participants on the watch and wait approach were interviewed. Data analysis was guided by systematic text condensation. FINDINGS: Participants reported anxiety, referring to 'wait and worry'. Their information needs were not met, and they resorted to seeking information on possible future treatments themselves. They also experienced feeling like an imposter because they were not receiving active treatment like other patients with cancer. CONCLUSIONS: A greater understanding of how information provision affects levels of anxiety and worry among people living with CLL on watch and wait is needed. In addition, clinical nurse specialists could deliver education on the watch and wait approach, supplemented by video-based educational materials developed by the haematology team.

Barriers and motivators to women's cancer screening: A qualitative study of a sample of diverse women.

INTRODUCTION: Cancer is an enormous public health challenge in the United States and around the world. Early detection through screening can identify cancer when it is most treatable and can result in greater survival rates; however, racial and ethnic disparities in breast and cervical screening result in late diagnosis and a higher risk of poor outcomes and death for women of color. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to examine barriers that a diverse sample of women in Rhode Island face related to breast and cervical cancer screening, as well as motivators that encourage women to obtain screening services. DESIGN AND METHODS: Women, most of whom self-identified as Black or Hispanic, who were aged 40 years and older, were recruited to participate in focus groups via Zoom. The main topics of the discussions included thoughts, attitudes, beliefs, and prior experiences with screening. RESULTS: Forty-seven women from Rhode Island participated in a total of six focus groups. The following themes emerged: (1) fear, lack of knowledge, cultural beliefs, and the role of women as caretakers are personal barriers; (2) communication challenges, a shortage of primary care providers and negative health experiences are system barriers; and (3) family history of cancer, encouragement from providers, and clinic reminders are motivators that encourage women to get screened. CONCLUSIONS: Results suggest that communities must focus on eliminating barriers, promoting motivators, and expanding access to supportive screening services to reduce the number of cases and deaths due to breast and cervical cancer.

Patients' experiences of adverse symptoms, emotions, and coping strategies in connection to treatment of head and neck cancer - an interview study.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to increase the understanding of emotions and coping strategies used by head and neck cancer patients before cancer treatment, and to explore their emotions and coping strategies in relation to symptoms and side effects after treatment. Furthermore, we aimed to investigate the patients' perceptions of received treatment and support. METHODS: Semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted with 10 patients who had been treated for head and neck cancer, which included radiotherapy, at the Department of Oncology and the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery at Sahlgrenska University Hospital in Gothenburg. The interviews were analyzed in accordance with the method for Qualitative Content Analysis. RESULTS: The result picture revealed three head themes. The first theme "Management of simultaneously influencing mind-sets before cancer treatment" described the patients experiences of feeling "Scared and worried," "Lonely and disappointed," and "Relieved and confident", and how they tried to handle the diagnosis and preparations for treatment by "Applying a positive mind-set", "Searching for support," and "Trusting the healthcare system". The second theme "Experiences of becoming a pale shadow of oneself", illustrated experiences of affecting post-treatment symptoms and side effects. To which, the last theme "Handling contextual influencing experiences after cancer treatment" displayed post-treatment emotions of being "Shocked and disappointed" and "Concerned and unsupported" but also "Grateful and forward-thinking", where strategies such as "Appreciating Life", "Networking socially," and "Adapting to the new life" were used. CONCLUSIONS: The results indicated the need for a more patient-centered care approach, with clearer structures and improved individual support both before and after treatment and in connection to rehabilitation. Patients' cognitive changes after cancer treatment should be considered in the aftercare, which should also include adaptation to situation and strengthening of patients' self-management as a goal.

The social, economic, emotional, and physical experiences of caregivers for women with female genital fistula in Uganda: A qualitative study.

ABSTRACTThis study aimed to explore the firsthand experiences of informal primary caregivers of women with female genital fistula in Uganda. Caregivers that accompanied women for surgery at Mulago National Teaching and Referral Hospital were recruited between January and September 2015. Caregivers participated in in-depth interviews and focus groups. Data were analysed thematically and informed adaptation of a conceptual framework. Of 43 caregivers, 84% were female, 95% family members, and most married and formally employed. Caregivers engaged in myriad personal care and household responsibilities, and described being on call for an average of 22.5 h per day. Four overlapping themes emerged highlighting social, economic, emotional, and physical experiences/consequences. The caregiving experience was informed by specific caregiver circumstances (e.g. personal characteristics, care needs of their patient) and dynamic stressors/supports within the caregiver's social context. These results demonstrate that caregivers' lived social, economic, emotional, and physical experiences and consequences are influenced by both social factors and individual characteristics of both the caregiver and their patient. This study may inform programmes and policies that increase caregiving supports while mitigating caregiving stressors to enhance the caregiving experience, and ultimately ensure its feasibility, particularly in settings with constrained resources.

Experiences of participating in an eHealth intervention for patients with abdominal aortic aneurysm: A qualitative study.

AIMS: To explore patients' experiences of an eHealth tool and tailored psychosocial support throughout the care trajectory of AAA repair. DESIGN: A qualitative interview study. METHODS: Individual in-depth interviews were performed with twelve patients participating in an intervention study in conjunction with AAA surgery. Data were collected from March to December 2019. The interviews were analysed using qualitative content analysis with an inductive approach. RESULTS: The patients' familiarity with and attitude to eHealth influenced their use of the eHealth tool. The interpersonal relationship with health care staff affected patients' ability to submit themselves. The preoperative information, including the eHealth tool, may result in an overwhelming amount of information, causing anxiety and leading patients to refrain from information, partly due to the timing of the information. Psychosocial support offered continuity and reassurance, and enabled the patients to elaborate on existential matters. CONCLUSION: The design of eHealth services in AAA care would benefit from a consideration of patients' attitude to eHealth and familiarity with modern technology. To increase patients' accessibility to health care services, their preference for technology use and type of contact should be verified and respected. Psychosocial support should be offered with continuity to alleviate patients' emotional burden. Adjustment to patients' mental state and learning needs may forestall anxiety. IMPACT: This study highlights factors that affect the acceptability of eHealth services in AAA patients. These findings can guide future design and implementation of mobile health interventions in surgical care.

Life Experience of Chinese Pediatric Medulloblastoma Survivors: A Qualitative Study.

ABSTRACT: BACKGROUND: With the improvement of technology and the advancement of medical treatment in recent decades, more and more pediatric medulloblastoma survivors reintegrate to the community. This study aimed to examine the experiences of pediatric medulloblastoma survivors. METHODS: A qualitative research was conducted. Twenty Chinese pediatric medulloblastoma survivors were interviewed. Interviews were recorded and transcribed. Colaizzi's analysis method was used to analyze data. RESULTS: There were 4 themes in this study: physical health issues, community reintegration challenges, overcoming psychological pressure, and multiple unmet needs. CONCLUSION: Pediatric medulloblastoma survivors face challenges in the physical, psychological, and social aspects of their health, along with multiple unmet healthcare needs. Nurses should comprehensively assess the survivor's needs from admission, plan for discharge, and provide regular follow-up care after discharge. Furthermore, nurses should collaborate with caregivers, clinicians, and schoolteachers to develop programs aimed at enhancing the quality of life for survivors. It is also important to explore the survival experiences of individuals in different regions.

Patient Experiences After Aborted Cancer Surgery: A Qualitative Study.

BACKGROUND: Surgical resection is a necessary component of curative-intent treatment for most solid-organ cancers but is occasionally aborted, most often due to occult metastatic disease or unanticipated unresectability. Despite its frequency, little research has been performed on the experiences, care needs, and treatment preferences of patients who experience an aborted cancer surgery. METHODS: Semistructured interviews of patients who had previously experienced an aborted cancer surgery were conducted, focusing on their recalled experiences and stated preferences. All interviews were audio recorded, transcribed, and coded by two independent researchers by using NVivo 12. An integrative approach to qualitative analysis was used-both inductive and deductive methods-and iteratively identifying themes until saturation was reached. RESULTS: Fifteen patients with an aborted cancer surgery participated in the interviews. Cancer types included pancreatic (n = 9), cholangiocarcinoma (n = 3), hepatocellular carcinoma (n = 1), gallbladder (n = 1), and neuroendocrine (n = 1). The most common reasons for aborting surgery included local tumor unresectability (n = 8) and occult metastatic disease (n = 7). Five subthemes that characterized the patient experience following an aborted cancer surgery emerged, including physical symptoms, emotional responses, impact on social and life factors, coping mechanisms, and support received. CONCLUSIONS: This qualitative study characterizes the impact of aborted cancer surgery on multiple domains of quality of life: physical, emotional, social, and existential. These results highlight the importance of developing patient-centered interventions that focus on enhancing quality of life after aborted cancer surgery.

Early Detection of Breast Cancer in Indonesia: Barriers Identified in a Qualitative Study.

BACKGROUND: The lack of early detection in breast cancer management has been identified as the primary factor contributing to the high mortality rate. The introduction of BPJS Kesehatan, Indonesia's national health insurance, was intended to ensure the provision of adequate health services for breast cancer patients. This study aimed to investigate the current state of health services in Indonesia concerning the early detection of breast cancer, following the implementation of BPJS Kesehatan introduction. METHODS: The study was conducted in 2017 in Yogyakarta, Indonesia. Subjects were recruited using a purposive sampling technique with maximum variation. The sample comprised breast cancer patients, health care professionals (HCPs), and healthy women from the general population with no history of breast cancer. The subjects' experiences and knowledge of health services regarding the early detection of breast cancer were investigated through in-depth interviews. Thematic analysis was used to synthesize the results from interviews with 25 participants. RESULT: This study identified several issues that hinder the timely detection of breast cancer. The lack of both screening and diagnostic procedures emerged as a prominent obstacle in breast cancer management. The study identified the following barriers: (1) limited community knowledge about early detection; (2). lack of urgency among patients to seek medical treatment; (3) limited access to health facilities; and (4) inconsistent adherence among health care professionals to guidelines for both screening and diagnostic procedures. CONCLUSIONS: This study revealed multiple factors contributing to the delay in breast cancer detection in Indonesia, leading to suboptimal management of the disease. It is crucial for the government to prioritize the improvement of enabling factors across all levels of care for early detection. These factors include initiatives to increase public awareness, improve access to health services, strengthen the referral system, and enhance health facilities.