title: Experiences and coping strategies of oncology patients undergoing oral chemotherapy: First steps of a grounded theory study.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Chemotherapies are increasingly available for oral application. Previous studies have focussed on differences between orally and intravenously administered chemotherapies, mostly following quantitative designs surveying patients' preferences and adherence. The lived experience of patients undergoing oral chemotherapy has been rarely explored. Therefore, this study investigates how patients experience oral chemotherapy.
  
  
  METHODS
  We conducted open interviews with six patients and two spouses. Recruitment took place in the outpatient clinic of an urban Swiss hospital. Data collection and analysis followed the principles of Straussian grounded theory.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The participants reported physical and emotional reluctance towards oral chemotherapy as well as toxic side effects. Feeling responsible emerged as a core phenomenon. All participants intended to adhere to the therapy although this was challenging because of the complex medication regimen. Belief in the effectiveness of the therapy was a strengthening factor.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  All participants reported to be highly adherent to oral chemotherapy. Although they experienced some toxic side effects, they did not react. Monitoring toxicities and support in everyday life should be a core feature of care.
authors.affiliation: FHS St. Gallen, University of Applied Sciences, Rosenbergstrasse 59, 9001, St. Gallen, Switzerland. Electronic address: catherine.gassmann@fhsg.ch.
authors.forename: Catherine
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Gassmann
authors.affiliation: FHS St. Gallen, University of Applied Sciences, Rosenbergstrasse 59, 9001, St. Gallen, Switzerland. Electronic address: nina.kolbe@fhsg.ch.
authors.forename: Nina
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Kolbe
authors.affiliation: FHS St. Gallen, University of Applied Sciences, Rosenbergstrasse 59, 9001, St. Gallen, Switzerland. Electronic address: Andrea.brenner@fhsg.ch.
authors.forename: Andrea
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Brenner
mesh_terms: D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000284:Administration, Oral; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D004644:Emotions; D005260:Female; D066296:Grounded Theory; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D055118:Medication Adherence; D008875:Middle Aged; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000523:psychology*; D057240:Patient Preference; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
chemical_list: D000970:Antineoplastic Agents
keywords: Experiences; Grounded theory; Oncology nursing; Oral chemotherapy; Strategies