Important aspects of health care for women with gynecologic cancer.
OBJECTIVE
To describe what women diagnosed with primary gynecologic cancer reported to be important during their interaction with the healthcare system.


METHODS
Qualitative.


METHODS
A specialized gynecologic cancer care unit in central Sweden.


METHODS
14 women diagnosed with primary gynecologic cancer were recruited. The women had been referred to the specialized care unit for radiation or cytostatic therapy.


METHODS
Tape-recorded interviews were transcribed, coded, categorized, and analyzed.


METHODS
Primary diagnosed women with cancer and their experience with quality of care during diagnosis and treatment.


RESULTS
Three partly overlapping categories (i.e., optimal care, good communication, and self-image and sexuality) were found to be of central importance in quality of health care. Participants stated that health care should be based on their own perceptions of the need for information and dialogue and how the disease and treatment would affect their health, self-image, and sexuality. Everyday conversations also were very important.


CONCLUSIONS
Central importance in health care for the women included both rational and human aspects. The primary need of participants was to achieve a rapid cure, which necessitated health care that was available, competent, and coordinated.


CONCLUSIONS
Women with gynecologic cancer should be given individualized information and care to satisfy their individual needs and reinforce their self-image. Nurses have an important role in strengthening women's feelings of hope and supporting them in maintaining as positive a self-image as possible. Information and everyday conversation are of great significance. Sexuality should be an integral part of holistic care; to this end, inclusion of each woman's sexual partner may be helpful when discussions concerning sexuality occur.
Ekwall
Ewa
E
Department of Gynecologic Oncology, Orebro Medical Center Hospital, Orebro, Sweden. ewa.ekwall@orebroll.se
Ternestedt
Britt-Marie
BM
Sorbe
Bengt
B
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001828:Body Image; D003142:Communication; D005260:Female; D005833:Genital Neoplasms, Female / Q000451:nursing* / Q000523:psychology* / Q000628:therapy; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D009859:Oncology Nursing / Q000379:methods*; D012107:Research Design; D012649:Self Concept; D012725:Sexual Behavior; D013548:Sweden