Experiences of chemotherapy-related symptom management in hospitalized patients with hematologic cancer: a theory-based qualitative study.

BACKROUND

Patients with hematologic cancer may experience problems due to treatment-related symptoms. Strong evidence and guidelines for symptom management will facilitate this.

AIM

This study aimed to explore the experiences of patients with hematologic cancer in managing chemotherapy-related symptoms during hospitalization, guided by the Symptom Management Theory (SMT).

DESIGN

A descriptive qualitative research approach was employed.

METHODS

The study was conducted in the hematology clinic of a university hospital between March and May 2023. Data were collected from 14 participants (9 women and 5 men) between the ages of 21 and 64 through individual semi-structured interviews. All interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed using content analysis. The COREQ checklist was used to report the study.

RESULTS

The analysis identified three main themes and seven sub-themes that elucidate the experiences of patients with hematologic cancer in managing their symptoms. The main themes are the psycho-social factors of the patient, factors related to health professionals, and plans for the future.

CONCLUSION

SMT serves as a practical and effective guide for framing the treatment-related experiences of cancer patients. This study revealed that the participants needed family and social support, support and information from health professionals, and making plans for the future. Furthermore, participants emphasized that they maintained hope while planning for the future and experienced personal growth through individual transformation. Considering the treatment-related symptom management experiences of patients with hematologic cancer, healthcare professionals should be involved early on in empowering patients and families in symptom management. Healthcare systems should deliver education and support to assist hematologic cancer patients in managing their symptoms effectively.