Women with newly diagnosed breast cancer and their perceptions of needs in a health-care context.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study was to investigate how women with newly diagnosed breast cancer experience their needs in a health-care context.


METHODS
A qualitative design, using a focus group, was used to identify women's perceptions of needs.


METHODS
A group of seven women met six times over a period of 10 weeks during 2004. Meetings were audio-recorded, and the data were coded and analysed using Kvale's methods of qualitative content analysis.


RESULTS
Women described experiences related to two categories of needs that influenced their ability to cope with changed life situations: the need for knowledge and the need for psychosocial support. These categories may be divided into three themes: knowledge and psychosocial support related to physical, emotional and social perspectives of daily living.


CONCLUSIONS
Findings suggest that health-care services provided by breast diagnostic centres should be based on requirements defined by women with breast cancer. In addition to medical treatment, services ought to meet women's needs for knowledge and psychosocial support at the time of diagnosis, and during and after treatment. This study can provide nurses and other health professionals with a deeper understanding of women's demands as they face challenges related to breast cancer.


CONCLUSIONS
The findings from this study underline the need to include emotional and social perspectives in standards for breast cancer diagnosis and treatment, and can provide a foundation for the development of user-designed health services.
Landmark
Bjørg Th
BT
Faculty of Health, Buskerud University College, Papirbredden, Drammen, Norway. bjorg.landmark@drnk.no
Bøhler
Ann
A
Loberg
Kari
K
Wahl
Astrid K
AK
D000203:Activities of Daily Living / Q000523:psychology; D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000328:Adult; D001294:Attitude to Health; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology* / Q000534:rehabilitation; D004644:Emotions; D005190:Family / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D017144:Focus Groups; D005783:Gender Identity; D006801:Humans; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D008875:Middle Aged; D020380:Needs Assessment; D009664:Norway; D015404:Nursing Methodology Research; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D036301:Qualitative Research; D012803:Sick Role; D012919:Social Behavior; D012944:Social Support; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014930:Women / Q000193:education / Q000523:psychology*