Department of Psychology, Maynooth University, Maynooth, Co. Kildare, Ireland.
Department of Psychology, Maynooth University, Maynooth, Co. Kildare, Ireland.
Eur J Oncol Nurs. 2021 Dec;55:102062. doi: 10.1016/j.ejon.2021.102062. Epub 2021 Nov 9.
To qualitatively explore the consequences of soft tissue sarcoma and its treatment experienced by survivors, the self-management strategies they use to deal with these consequences, and any factors that may act as barriers or facilitators to their self-management.
Semi-structured interviews were conducted with seven soft tissue sarcoma survivors who had completed their primary treatment. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed and thematically analysed.
Physical, psychological and social consequences of soft tissue sarcoma and its treatment were identified, with side-effects, physical restrictions, body image issues, fear of recurrence, feeling depressed, familial relationships and sexual activity being the most frequently reported. Nine different types of self-management strategy encompassing eighteen specific strategies were identified, including cognitive strategies, lifestyle changes and utilisation of resources. Personal, social and environmental facilitators of self-management were identified; being in a relationship, being at an appropriate life stage, and having support from family, friends and medical staff were most commonly reported. Finally, personal and environmental barriers to self-management included the adaptation period, ongoing complications, rareness of sarcoma and poor patient-healthcare provider communication.
The findings of this study suggest that soft tissue sarcoma survivors, especially those who are younger and experience physical limitations, may find the immediate post-treatment period particularly challenging and may benefit from nurse-led self-management support.
定性探讨软组织肉瘤及其治疗给幸存者带来的后果、他们用来应对这些后果的自我管理策略，以及可能对他们的自我管理产生障碍或促进作用的任何因素。
对 7 名已完成主要治疗的软组织肉瘤幸存者进行了半结构式访谈。访谈进行了录音、转录和主题分析。
确定了软组织肉瘤及其治疗的身体、心理和社会后果，报告最多的是副作用、身体限制、身体形象问题、复发恐惧、抑郁感、家庭关系和性活动。确定了 9 种不同类型的自我管理策略，包括认知策略、生活方式改变和资源利用。自我管理的个人、社会和环境促进因素被确定；处于恋爱关系中、处于适当的生活阶段、并得到家人、朋友和医务人员的支持是最常见的。最后，自我管理的个人和环境障碍包括适应期、持续的并发症、肉瘤的罕见性和医患沟通不畅。
本研究结果表明，软组织肉瘤幸存者，尤其是那些年轻且有身体限制的幸存者，可能会发现治疗后的即刻阶段特别具有挑战性，可能会受益于护士主导的自我管理支持。
