McCaughan, Dorothy orcid.org/0000-0001-5388-2455, Roman, Eve orcid.org/0000-0001-7603-3704, Sheridan, Rebecca orcid.org/0000-0002-7715-1224 et al. (4 more authors) (2023) Patient perspectives of ‘Watch and Wait’ for chronic haematological cancers:Findings from a qualitative study. European journal of oncology nursing. 102349. ISSN 1462-3889
Abstract
PURPOSE: Chronic blood cancers are incurable, and characterised by unpredictable, remitting-relapsing pathways. Management often involves periods of observation prior to treatment (if required), and post-treatment, in an approach known as 'Watch and Wait'. This study aimed to explore patient experiences of 'Watch and Wait'. METHODS: In-depth interviews with 35 patients (10 accompanied by relatives) with chronic lymphocytic leukaemia, follicular lymphoma, marginal zone lymphoma or myeloma. Data were analysed using descriptive qualitative techniques. RESULTS: Patient views of Watch and Wait ranged along a continuum, from immediate acceptance, to concern about treatment deferral. Significant ongoing anxiety and distress were described by some, due to the uncertain pathways associated with Watch and Wait. Infrequent contact with clinical staff was said to exacerbate this, as there was limited opportunity to ask questions and seek reassurance. Patients indicated that the impact of their malignancy could be underestimated by clinicians; possibly due to them comparing chronic and acute subtypes. Most patients lacked knowledge of blood cancers. Support from clinicians was considered greater among treated patients, possibly due to increased contact, and many drew on relatives for aid. Most patients were satisfied with their time-allocation with haematology staff, although experiences could be improved by greater access to clinical nurse specialists, counselling services, and community-based facilities. CONCLUSION: Experiences varied. Anxiety about unpredictable futures could be more distressing than any physical symptoms and have a greater impact on quality of life. Ongoing assessment could facilitate identification of difficulties, and is particularly important among individuals without supportive networks.
Metadata
Item Type: | Article |
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Authors/Creators: |
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Copyright, Publisher and Additional Information: | © 2023 The Authors. |
Keywords: | Humans,Quality of Life,Neoplasm Recurrence, Local/therapy,Hematologic Neoplasms/diagnosis,Rectal Neoplasms/therapy |
Dates: |
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Institution: | The University of York |
Academic Units: | The University of York > Faculty of Sciences (York) > Health Sciences (York) |
Depositing User: | Pure (York) |
Date Deposited: | 19 Jun 2023 10:20 |
Last Modified: | 21 Dec 2024 00:23 |
Published Version: | https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ejon.2023.102349 |
Status: | Published |
Refereed: | Yes |
Identification Number: | 10.1016/j.ejon.2023.102349 |
Open Archives Initiative ID (OAI ID): | oai:eprints.whiterose.ac.uk:200581 |
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