Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 17, 2025

DIPLOMA Approach for Standardized Pathology Assessment of Distal Pancreatectomy Specimens
Published on: February 1, 2020
Exploring the Relationship Between Health-Illness Transition Experiences and Distress Among Patients With Pancreatic
Jessica I Goldberg1, Jessica R Flynn1, Raymond E Baser1
1Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.
Objectives:
To explore the correlation between health-illness transition (HIT) experiences and distress among patients with pancreatic cancer.
Sample & Setting:
55 patients with a diagnosis of pancreatic cancer receiving chemotherapy at a tertiary cancer center in New York.
Methods & Variables:
A prospective correlational study was performed to explore the frequency, extent, and management of HITs. HITs were evaluated using the Measurement of Transitions in Cancer Scale, and distress was measured with the National Comprehensive Cancer Network Distress Thermometer.
Results:
All patients experienced at least one HIT. The extent of HITs decreased over time. Patients reported that they managed HITs moderately well. There was a significant correlation between unmanaged HITs and distress. As distress increased, the extent of the physical and emotional HITs increased and management worsened.
Implications For Nursing:
HITs are ubiquitous among patients diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. Associated distress inhibits management. Nurses are well suited to assess for potential HITs and to support self-management of HITs.
Related Concept Videos
Chronic Pancreatitis I: Introduction
Pancreatitis is the inflammation of the pancreas, which occurs when the immune system becomes active and causes swelling, pain, and disruptions in organ function. Pancreatitis can manifest as either an acute or chronic condition.
Acute pancreatitis arises suddenly and lasts for a brief duration, while chronic pancreatitis is a long-term affliction...
Chronic Pancreatitis II: Collaborative Care
Assessment:
Psychoneuroimmunology: Diabetes and Cancer
Classification of Illness
An illness is a response to a disease in which the person's level of functioning is changed compared with a previous level. The general classification of illness includes acute and chronic.
Acute illness is severe...
Models of Health Promotion and Illness Prevention II
The agent-host-environment model states that disease results...
Kubler Ross's Stages of Dying
In denial, individuals reject the reality of their condition, often thinking, "This isn't true; I feel fine," as a way to protect themselves from...

