[Illness perceptions of patients suffering from acute leukaemia one week after diagnosis]

To investigate illness perceptions, treatment expectations, and treatment experiences of patients suffering from acute leukaemia in the initial stage of their disease.

In the first week of treatment we interviewed twelve patients with acute leukaemia using a detailed semi-structured interview guide. To investigate the transcribed interviews we applied methods of qualitative research. Case analyses were assigned to interindividual comparison tables representing the following subject areas: complaints, diagnostics, causes, controllability, treatment experiences, and prognosis. This allowed us to describe similarities and contrasts.

Dramatic narrations of overwhelming threat in younger patients are in contrast to downplaying, rationalizing, and factual descriptions especially in elderly patients. Feelings of helplessness and efforts of normalization become apparent. Experiences of visible and sensible physical injury are perceived as threatening. Prognosis is estimated as too positive. Mortal fears are only indirectly indicated.

Our results have practical consequences for both patient education and psycho-oncological training.