Distressing and positive experiences and important aspects of care for adolescents treated for cancer. Adolescent and nurse perceptions.
Distressing and positive experiences for adolescents with cancer with regard to being told the diagnosis, receiving chemotherapy and being admitted to the ward, and important aspects of care for adolescents with cancer was investigated. Data were gathered through semi-structured interviews with 23 adolescents and 21 nurses, and analysed by content analysis. The findings indicate that cancer during adolescence is connected with a range of negative experiences such as fears of alienation, fears of altered appearance, fears of dying, and various physical concerns. Positive experiences include positive relations to staff and being well cared for. Important care for adolescents treated for cancer consists mainly of meeting nice, friendly, supportive, and competent staff, who provide them with age-appropriate information. The findings indicate that adolescents with cancer experience a range of negative and positive experiences related to disease and treatment and that good care for adolescents with cancer is a broad, complex, and multidimensional phenomenon.
Hedström
Mariann
M
Department of Public Health and Caring Sciences, Section of Caring Sciences, Uppsala University Uppsala, Sweden. mariann.hedstrom@pubcare.uu.se
Skolin
Inger
I
von Essen
Louise
L
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000293:Adolescent; D016497:Adolescent Health Services; D000298:Adolescent, Hospitalized / Q000523:psychology*; D000328:Adult; D001293:Attitude to Death; D001294:Attitude to Health; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000451:nursing / Q000523:psychology* / Q000628:therapy; D009741:Nursing Staff, Hospital; D011369:Professional-Patient Relations; D012944:Social Support; D013548:Sweden