Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: https://hdl.handle.net/1959.11/27174
Title: The desire to survive: The adaptation process of adult cancer patients undergoing radiotherapy
Contributor(s): Chao, Yu Huan (author); Wang, Shou-Yu  (author)orcid ; Hsu, Tsui Hua (author); Wang, Kai Wei K (author)
Publication Date: 2015-01
Early Online Version: 2014-04-22
DOI: 10.1111/jjns.12050
Handle Link: https://hdl.handle.net/1959.11/27174
Abstract: Aim: Radiotherapy is one of the primary treatment strategies for cancer. However, patients not only deal with the side‐effects of radiotherapy, but they must also endure the psychological distress caused by cancer. This study explores how cancer patients adapt to the treatment process when receiving radiotherapy. Methods: This study used a grounded theory approach, and eight in‐depth interviews were conducted with newly diagnosed cancer patients who received radiotherapy as a primary treatment. Results: The core category that emerged from this study was "the desire to survive". The categories and subcategories that emerged from the data include facing unknown situations (e.g. searching for relevant information and decision‐making considerations, and listening to healthcare professionals' suggestions), experiencing the pain of treatment (e.g. tolerating side‐effects, tolerating inconvenience during the treatment, accepting support during the treatment, and adjusting lifestyles), and chances to extend life (e.g. accepting fate, determination to undergo the treatment, and adjusting negative emotions). Conclusion: The study results provide a better understanding of the experiences of cancer patients undergoing radiotherapy. Healthcare professionals should provide effective medical management for side‐effects and psychological support to cancer patients during the journey of radiotherapy.
Publication Type: Journal Article
Source of Publication: Japan Journal of Nursing Science, 12(1), p. 79-86
Publisher: Wiley Japan
Place of Publication: Japan
ISSN: 1742-7924
1742-7932
Fields of Research (FoR) 2008: 111003 Clinical Nursing: Secondary (Acute Care)
Fields of Research (FoR) 2020: 420501 Acute care
Socio-Economic Objective (SEO) 2008: 920210 Nursing
Socio-Economic Objective (SEO) 2020: 200307 Nursing
Peer Reviewed: Yes
HERDC Category Description: C1 Refereed Article in a Scholarly Journal
Appears in Collections:Journal Article
School of Health

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