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- Title
The experiences of health-related quality of life in patients with nonspecific symptoms who undergo a diagnostic evaluation for cancer: a qualitative interview study.
- Authors
Moseholm, Ellen; Lindhardt, Bjarne Oerskov; Rydahl‐Hansen, Susan
- Abstract
The diagnostic phase of cancer can affect health-related quality of life ( HRQoL). The aim of this study was to investigate how patients with nonspecific symptoms experience HRQoL while undergoing diagnostic evaluations for cancer. Twenty-one participants who had completed a fast-track evaluation for possible cancer at one of three hospitals in the Capital Region, Denmark were interviewed 2-4 weeks after completing diagnostic evaluations. The interviews were semi-structured and were supported by an interview guide based on the same themes as in The European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life questionnaire ( EORCT- QLQ-C30). Data analysis was based on qualitative content analysis by Krippendorff. The analysis generated six categories: symptoms, physical-, role-, emotional-, cognitive- and social functioning, and the diagnostic fast-track experience. From these categories, a main theme was identified: Health-related quality of life is not solely affected by the diagnostic process. The results provide a comprehensive understanding of HRQoL in the diagnostic phase of possible cancer, which can be used not only to enhance evidence-based care, but also in the interpretation of the EORTC- QLQ-C30 scores. Psycho-social support with a focus on individual informational needs during the diagnostic phase may be warranted.
- Subjects
DENMARK; TUMOR diagnosis; CONTENT analysis; EXPERIENCE; INTERVIEWING; LONGITUDINAL method; RESEARCH methodology; MEDICAL quality control; QUESTIONNAIRES; RESEARCH funding; TUMORS; QUALITATIVE research; SOCIAL support; THEMATIC analysis; DESCRIPTIVE statistics; SYMPTOMS
- Publication
Scandinavian Journal of Caring Sciences, 2017, Vol 31, Issue 3, p463
- ISSN
0283-9318
- Publication type
Article
- DOI
10.1111/scs.12359