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Control in patients with advanced cancer: an interpretative phenomenological study
Andrea Rodríguez-Prat1, Denise Pergolizzi2, Iris Crespo2
1Faculty of Humanities, Universitat Internacional de Catalunya, Josep Trueta s/n, 08195 Sant Cugat del Vallès, Barcelona, Spain.
BMC Palliative Care
|June 1, 2022
Summary
Patients with advanced cancer find control by focusing on subjective well-being and personal traits, even amidst illness-related losses. Understanding these perceptions can empower patients and inform healthcare support strategies.
Area of Science:
- Psycho-oncology
- Patient-centered care
- Qualitative research
Background:
- Loss of control in life-threatening illness is linked to suffering and diminished dignity.
- Patient perspectives on control during advanced cancer are not well understood.
- Self-efficacy beliefs influence attitudes and expectations regarding control.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore how patients with advanced cancer understand control.
- To identify beliefs, attitudes, and expectations related to self-efficacy in illness and life.
- To examine control across dimensions of life, illness, and healthcare.
Main Methods:
- Semi-structured qualitative interviews were conducted.
- Interpretive phenomenological analysis was employed.
- Eight advanced cancer outpatients (ECOG 0-3) participated.
Main Results:
- Two main themes emerged: factors influencing control perception and perceiving control over an uncontrollable illness.
- Subthemes included uncertainty, character traits, lack of care, subjective well-being, and adjusting focus.
- Strategies for promoting a sense of control were identified.
Conclusions:
- Advanced cancer is experienced as a series of losses, but patients focus on areas of retained control.
- Findings highlight the importance of focusing on subjective well-being and personal strengths.
- Future research should explore how to empower patients through family and healthcare professional support.
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