Considerations in developing and delivering a nonpharmacological intervention for symptom management in lung cancer: the views of patients and informal caregivers.
BACKGROUND
Few studies consider patient's and caregiver's preferences when developing nonpharmacological interventions. This is important to develop acceptable and accessible nonpharmacological interventions for patients with cancer.


OBJECTIVE
The objective of this study was to identify the views of patients with lung cancer and their informal caregivers on the desirable components of a novel nonpharmacological intervention for the management of the symptom cluster of cough, breathlessness, and fatigue, and their needs and preferences regarding uptake and delivery of the intervention.


METHODS
This study was qualitative in orientation, using semistructured interviews and framework analysis to elicit the views of 37 patients with lung cancer and 23 caregivers regarding the issues that were perceived to be important regarding the development and delivery of a nonpharmacological intervention.


RESULTS
A number of key issues were identified that carried important implications for patient participation and adherence to the intervention, including the perceived relevance of potential techniques; appreciable benefits in the short term; convenience; variation in patient preferences; timing of the intervention; venue; caregiver involvement; the provider of the intervention, and contact with other patients.


CONCLUSIONS
The data from this study have provided insight into the key issues that are likely to influence the development, uptake, and delivery of a nonpharmacological intervention to help manage the respiratory symptom cluster of cough, breathlessness, and fatigue. It is crucial that these findings are considered when developing and modeling a nonpharmacological symptom management intervention.
Academic Palliative and Supportive Care Studies Group, Division of Primary Care, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom.
Jackie
J
Ellis
Richard
R
Wagland
Carol
C
Tishelman
Mari Lloyd
ML
Williams
Chris D
CD
Bailey
Jemma
J
Haines
Ann
A
Caress
Paul
P
Lorigan
Jaclyn A
JA
Smith
Richard
R
Booton
Fiona
F
Blackhall
Alexander
A
Molassiotis
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001294:Attitude to Health; D017028:Caregivers / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D015897:Comorbidity; D003371:Cough / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000451:nursing*; D004358:Drug Therapy; D004417:Dyspnea / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000451:nursing*; D005221:Fatigue / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000451:nursing*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008175:Lung Neoplasms / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010166:Palliative Care / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D005791:Patient Care; D010358:Patient Participation / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D010361:Patients; D015995:Prevalence; D013577:Syndrome; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D006113:United Kingdom / Q000453:epidemiology