Investigating Experiences of Cancer Patients under Outpatient Oncology Treatments, a phenomenology study

Abstract

Abstract Background Today, cancer is one of the most important medical problems. Successful management of cancer patients requires an understanding regarding their experiences. The aim of the current study was to answer the question regarding experiences of cancer patients under outpatient oncology treatments. Methods Phenomenological method was used in order to access the depths of experiences felt by patients. The study was done in specialized cancer hospital and private hospital in 2018. Data gathering by in-depth and unstructured interviews were carried out with participants with previous arrangements. Data precision and robustness was determined based on Guba and Lincholn criteria. Data analysis was carried out based on Colaizzi seven-step method. Results A total of 9 people participated in this study. The experiences of cancer patients were categorized in five main concepts including 1) Individual problems, 2) Expectations from the physician and health care system, 3) the quality of health care system, 4) Coping with the cancer and 5) Support in the fight against cancer. Conclusions These patients have a wide range of medical, psychological, support and emotional needs which are only known to the patients themselves. Cancer itself is not the source of all these problems; instead they have various sources including family, society, policy making and treatment team, many of which can be solved with proper education. Therefore, it is necessary to offer comprehensive planning, starting with medical teams, and create the necessary infrastructures in the society.