Original Article
Analysis of Self-determination Acts of Cancer Patients under Medical Treatment
2002 Volume 16 Issue 2 Pages 26-34
Details
2002 Volume 16 Issue 2 Pages 26-34
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to elucidate self-determination acts of patients after disclosure of a diagnosis of cancer. Data was collected through semi-structured interviews with 27 participants and analyzed qualitatively and inductively. 12 categories of self-determination acts were identified : 1) choice of doctor and hospital, 2) successful communication with medical staff, 3) leaving oneself to professional care, 4) action of resolving questions as to symptoms, clinical examinations, and medical treatment, 5) curiosity about diagnosis and prognosis, 6) autonomous participation in treatment planning and medical treatment, 7) preventive health behavior, 8) self? management of disorder, 9) acts of self? defense, 10) adaptation of environment to life under medical treatment, 11) re? framing, and 12) revealing one's real self. These were classified into 3 core categories : 1) acts concerning medical treatment, 2) acts concerning self-care, and 3) acts concerning well-being. Results revealed that cancer patients make autonomous decision and/or choices regarding their medical treatments and their daily life.
