2018 Volume 64 Issue 2 Pages 114-121
Objective: This study aimed to explore malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) patients’ experiences of post-diagnostic psychological transition.
Design: Qualitative research design was used to investigate MPM patients’ experiences of transition.
Methods: Semi-structured interviews were conducted of five participants with MPM. A phenomenological hermeneutical method was used. Their narratives were translated to the meaning units, they were analyzed to subthemes, themes, and main themes, and identified to the transition attitudes and actions.
Results: Four main themes of transition attitudes were identified: “Attempting to continue independent living and to manage symptoms”, “Accepting the incurability of the disease in spite of being overwhelmed”, “Deciding on treatment and life through uncertainty”, and “Maintaining positive relationships with family”. These themes were influenced on six main themes of transition action: “Creating new self-care regime”, “Gathering information about asbestos exposure and MPM”, “Preparing for dying through self-experience or the experience of other patients”, “Receiving emotional support from family, coworkers, care providers”, “Developing positive rapport with hospital staff toward effective treatment”, and “Awarding of compensation”.
Conclusions: Psychological transition was identified as changes, disruption and reconstruction of aspects of the patients’ physical symptoms management, acceptance of MPM and dying, decision making, and family relationships. A positive psychology transition may result from being able to ease symptoms, obtaining useful information resources, sharing in decision making, and receiving care, including family support. This study has established a framework of analysis, which can be applied to clinical responses and to future studies with larger statistical samplings.
