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Supportive Care in Cancer

Published in:

01-06-2018 | Original Article

Living with lymphoedema—the perspective of cancer patients: a qualitative study

Authors: Ángela Río-González, Francisco Molina-Rueda, Domingo Palacios-Ceña, Isabel M. Alguacil-Diego

Published in: Supportive Care in Cancer | Issue 6/2018

Abstract

Purpose

The aim of this study was to describe the lived experience of lymphoedema and the barriers faced by cancer sufferers receiving physiotherapy outpatient treatment.

Methods

A qualitative, phenomenological study was performed. Purposeful sampling method was used. Data collection methods included unstructured and semi-structured interviews and researcher field notes. A thematic analysis was used. The study was conducted following the Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research guidelines.

Results

Eleven patients (62.18 ± 10.14 years) (90.91% women) participated. One theme was identified with different subgroups. The main theme ‘Living a life with multiple barriers’—formed by the subthemes ‘Discovering physical and psychological barriers’, ‘Searching information’, ‘Building relationships’ and ‘Controlling expenses’—displays the daily difficulties they must face in areas such as work. The patients reported that lymphoedema is a constant emotional and physical challenge. They need to adapt their lives to their new situation, learning how to manage the lymphoedema.

Conclusions

Patients considered lymphoedema as a clinical situation with multiple barriers and they found that it does alter their quality of life. These results can be applied in onco-haematology units to develop specific protocols for customers.

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Title: Living with lymphoedema—the perspective of cancer patients: a qualitative study
Authors: Ángela Río-González
Francisco Molina-Rueda
Domingo Palacios-Ceña
Isabel M. Alguacil-Diego
Publication date: 01-06-2018
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in: Supportive Care in Cancer / Issue 6/2018
Print ISSN: 0941-4355
Electronic ISSN: 1433-7339
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00520-018-4048-x

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