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Published on: August 1, 2019
Patients' experiences of participating in a nurse-led clinic for bowel dysfunction following rectal cancer: A
Birgitte Schantz Laursen1,2,3,4, Gitte Kjær Sørensen4,5, Margit Majgaard4,5
1Sexology Research Centre, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark.
Background:
An increasing number of patients survive rectal cancer, leading to a rise in the number of patients with late sequelae following surgical and oncological treatments. Consequently, the demand for information, treatment and counselling among these patients is on the rise. Nurse-led clinics, staffed by nurses with specialised expertise in Low Anterior Resection Syndrome and following structured treatment programs, are being established as part of specialised hospital departments in Denmark and other countries in an attempt to increase patient survivorship.
Aim:
This study aimed to gain insights into the perspective of rectal cancer patients who received surgical treatment on participating in such treatment programs, which may help identify the most significant aspects from their viewpoint and assist healthcare professionals in determining follow-up programs.
Methods:
The study employed a qualitative design, utilising semi-structured interviews to collect data, which was then analysed through thematic analysis. A total of 24 rectal cancer patients treated for low anterior resection syndrome (LARS) at a nurse-led late sequelae clinic were included in the study.
Results:
The analysis revealed three key themes: (1) The significance of being seen as a whole person, (2) Tailored solutions within a structured framework and (3) The importance of managing everyday life.
Conclusion:
This study's findings complement existing knowledge by illustrating how nurse-led clinics can deliver personalised care that addresses both physical symptoms and social and emotional needs. The use of structured treatment algorithms offers a professional and coherent approach to symptom management, which patients find reassuring and supportive.
Originality Statement:
This study supports already known knowledge and adds new insight by highlighting how rectal cancer survivors value holistic, personalised support within structured nurse-led clinics. It demonstrates that combining tailored interventions with professional treatment algorithms enhances patients' sense of recognition, safety and ability to manage everyday life, an understudied perspective in current survivorship care literature.
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