Preserving Oneself in the Face of Uncertainty: A Grounded Theory Study of Women With Ovarian Cancer.

Preserving Oneself in the Face of Uncertainty: A Grounded Theory Study of Women With Ovarian Cancer. Oncol Nurs Forum. 2019 Sep 01;46(5):595-603 Authors: Pozzar RA, Berry DL Abstract PURPOSE: To describe the cancer care process as it is perceived by women with ovarian cancer. PARTICIPANTS & SETTING: 18 English-speaking adult women with ovarian cancer were recruited from an advocacy organization for patients with ovarian cancer and the gynecologic oncology clinic at a community-based teaching hospital in Burlington, Massachusetts. METHODOLOGIC APPROACH: A grounded theory approach was used. Data were collected via individual interviews with participants. FINDINGS: An overarching theme of preserving oneself in the face of uncertainty was described by the participants. Trajectories from prediagnosis to treatment were influenced by the quality of patient-provider communication, support from significant others, and self-concept aspects. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING: Comprehensive care that validates patient concerns and supports information exchange is essential. Nurses can promote the physical and psychological well-being of women with ovarian cancer by identifying institutional and community-based resources for support and specialty care. PMID: 31424458 [PubMed - in process]
Source: Oncology Nursing Forum - Category: Nursing Authors: Tags: Oncol Nurs Forum Source Type: research