Experiences of "Being Known" by the Healthcare Team of Young Adult Patients with Cancer.

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVES: To explore how young adult patients with cancer experience "being known" by their healthcare team.

RESEARCH APPROACH

Qualitative, descriptive.

SETTING

A university-affiliated hospital in Montreal, Quebec.

PARTICIPANTS

13 patients with cancer aged 18-39 years.

METHODOLOGIC APPROACH

Semistructured interviews were conducted and analyzed using thematic content analysis.

FINDINGS

Living with cancer and being labeled as a young adult were described, and participants reported being known in relation to two themes.

CONCLUSIONS

Being known was highly valued and was experienced and expressed in a unique way for each individual. However, the process often occurred from simple interventions related to the healthcare provider or the setting itself.

INTERPRETATION

Although no standardized tools can be used to facilitate being known, the current study sheds light on how being known may be achieved and can be helpful in meeting the needs of young adult patients with cancer.