A qualitative study of the symptom management in patients with chemotherapy-induced hand-foot syndrome

Abstract

Abstract Purpose To investigate the ability to self-manage symptoms in patients with chemotherapy-induced HFS and to provide guidance for developing a self-management plan that meets patient needs. methods From July 2022 to July 2023, 22 patients with chemotherapy-induced HFS were selected by objective sampling in the oncology department of a tertiary hospital in Shanghai. A semi-structured in-depth face-to-face interview was used to collect the case data, and the content analysis method was used for analysis, and the topic was refined. Results Twenty-two patients were interviewed. Three themes and six sub-themes emerged from the analytical interviews: the first theme was "Patient attitude and emotional response to symptoms," which consisted of patients gradually accepting the symptoms of HFS and adapting to some mild manifestations based on the following responses, showing different emotional responses to HFS, symptoms that affected their daily life. The patient feels guilty for his family and suffers from a self-image disorder. The second theme is "symptom experience," with symptoms that vary from patient to patient and have a different impact on the individual's life, including pain and itching. The third theme is "coping strategies," which include patients feeling the effects of limited social interaction and family relationships. The fourth topic, "Expectations for the future," includes gaining relevant knowledge through the website, doctors, and patients, changing habits, demonstrating symptom improvement, and meeting/exceeding the expectations of healthcare providers. Conclusions Healthcare providers should provide more education and emotional support to patients with chemotherapy-induced HFS to enable symptom management, elicit positive experiences.