The experiences of health-related quality of life in patients with nonspecific symptoms who undergo a diagnostic evaluation for cancer: a qualitative interview study.
The diagnostic phase of cancer can affect health-related quality of life (HRQoL). The aim of this study was to investigate how patients with nonspecific symptoms experience HRQoL while undergoing diagnostic evaluations for cancer. Twenty-one participants who had completed a fast-track evaluation for possible cancer at one of three hospitals in the Capital Region, Denmark were interviewed 2-4 weeks after completing diagnostic evaluations. The interviews were semi-structured and were supported by an interview guide based on the same themes as in The European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life questionnaire (EORCT-QLQ-C30). Data analysis was based on qualitative content analysis by Krippendorff. The analysis generated six categories: symptoms, physical-, role-, emotional-, cognitive- and social functioning, and the diagnostic fast-track experience. From these categories, a main theme was identified: Health-related quality of life is not solely affected by the diagnostic process. The results provide a comprehensive understanding of HRQoL in the diagnostic phase of possible cancer, which can be used not only to enhance evidence-based care, but also in the interpretation of the EORTC-QLQ-C30 scores. Psycho-social support with a focus on individual informational needs during the diagnostic phase may be warranted.
Department of Pulmonary and Infectious Diseases, Copenhagen University Hospital, Nordsjaelland, Hillerød, Denmark.
Ellen
E
Moseholm
Department of Infectious Diseases, Copenhagen University Hospital, Hvidovre, Denmark.
Bjarne Oerskov
BO
Lindhardt
Research Unit of Clinical Nursing, Bispebjerg and Frederiksberg University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark.|Department of Public Health, Section for Nursing, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark.
Susan
S
Rydahl-Hansen
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D003718:Denmark; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000503:physiopathology; D036301:Qualitative Research; D011788:Quality of Life
cancer; content analysis; diagnostic phase; nonspecific symptoms; patient experience; qualitative study; quality of life