'It's all bad news': the first 3 months following a diagnosis of malignant pleural mesothelioma.
OBJECTIVE
This study explores patient's experience during the first 3 months following a diagnosis of malignant pleural mesothelioma.


METHODS
This study uses a grounded theory approach with semi-structured, face-to-face interviews with 10 patients during the first 3 months following diagnosis.


RESULTS
The key concept that emerged from the data was this: Uncertainty and lack of control leading to emotional, physical and psychosocial distress. Three themes informed the key concept: ' it's all bad news', 'good and bad days' and strategies of amelioration. Patients worked with a short-term perspective on their illness but worried about the long-term outcome and the speed of their deterioration.


CONCLUSIONS
Patients receive insufficient psychosocial support during the first 3 months following diagnosis. An early palliative care referral would improve support and referral strategies during the first 3 months of the disease.
School of Health and Social Care, University of Surrey, Duke of Kent Building, Guildford, Surrey, UK. A.Arber@surrey.ac.uk
Anne
A
Arber
Lesley
L
Spencer
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D004644:Emotions; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D008297:Male; D008654:Mesothelioma / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000523:psychology*; D008875:Middle Aged; D010997:Pleural Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000523:psychology*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D035501:Uncertainty