Forming new habits in the face of chronic cancer-related fatigue: An interpretative phenomenological study

Abstract Purpose The growing group of patients who suffer from chronic cancer-related fatigue (CCRF) after cancer have helpful and less helpful ways of responding to this long-lasting and disruptive problem. This qualitative study aimed to gain insight in essential elements of how patients respond to CCRF, with a focus on helpful responses to facilitate adaptation. Methods We conducted semi-structured interviews with a purposive sample of 25 participants who experienced severe CCRF for at least 3 months. Participants were recruited via media, patient associations, meetings, and health professionals until data saturation was attained. We used a topic guide with open-ended questions about lived experiences. Interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) was used for analysis of the transcripts. Results We identified five interrelated themes of how patients respond to CCRF: (1) discovering physical and emotional boundaries; (2) communicating support needs; (3) reorganizing and planning activities and rest; (4) letting go of one’s habitual identity; and (5) recognizing and accepting CCRF. Conclusion This study highlights the development of new habits and positive beliefs in the face of CCRF and the importance of (social) support in this process. This experiential knowledge on helpful responses can be used to inform patients and their significant others and improve self-efficacy. Health professionals could use these insights to improve recognition of CCRF and personalize treatment.

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The experience and perceived impact of group singing for men living with cancer: A phenomenological study

Psychology of Music ◽

10.1177/0305735619854526 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 47 (6) ◽

pp. 874-889

Author(s):

Katey Warran ◽

Daisy Fancourt ◽

Rosie Perkins

Keyword(s):

Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis ◽

Phenomenological Study ◽

Phenomenological Analysis ◽

Small Scale ◽

Structured Interviews ◽

Whole Person ◽

The Face ◽

Perceived Impact ◽

Living With Cancer ◽

Cancer Experience

The aim of this study was to explore the experience and perceived impact of group singing for men with cancer. Through the lens of phenomenology, semi-structured interviews were carried out with five patients with prostate cancer, focusing on their experience of cancer, singing, and the perceived impact of the choir. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and analysed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis. Four superordinate themes emerged from the data: (a) meeting existential changes; (b) dynamic connection to others; (c) a holistic experience; (d) a positive experience. The experience of singing was viewed by participants as: something positive; a social experience; an ineffable experience; an activity that engages the whole person. The perceived impact of singing included: providing support in the face of the existential uncertainty brought about by having cancer; a dynamic connection to others; fulfilment; enhanced wellbeing; finding some form of benefit from the cancer experience. These results indicate that group singing has potential as an appropriate intervention for men living with cancer. This study, though small-scale, sheds some light on how to deliver holistic healthcare and how to optimise current choirs in health settings.

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Belichaamde ervaringen van patiënten met ernstige chronische vermoeidheid na kanker

KWALON ◽

10.5117/2020.025.003.006 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 25 (3) ◽

Author(s):

Tom Bootsma ◽

Melanie Schellekens ◽

Rosalie van Woezik ◽

Marije van der Lee ◽

Jenny Slatman

Keyword(s):

Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis ◽

Phenomenological Study ◽

Chronic Fatigue ◽

The Body ◽

Future Research ◽

Cancer Related Fatigue ◽

Embodied Experiences ◽

After Cancer ◽

Insight Into ◽

Philosophical Phenomenology

Embodied experiences of patients with severe chronic fatigue after cancer. An interpretive phenomenological study This article presents a phenomenological study on embodied experiences based on interviews with 25 patients with severe chronic cancer-related fatigue (CCRF). Insight into the patient’s perspective can help to facilitate personalized treatment in CCRF. Theoretically resorting to philosophical phenomenology, we explored embodied experiences of living with CCRF. Using interpretative phenomenological analysis, we identified four superordinate themes: (1) Worn out; (2) Diminishment of one’s ‘I can’; (3) Socially invisible objectification of the body; and (4) Restoring one’s ‘I can’. For clinical practice, these results suggest that focusing on the body and restoring one’s ‘I can’ could be helpful during treatment of CCRF. Future research should focus on measuring individual patterns of CCRF symptoms in order to personalize treatment.

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Music enables the holistic development and discovery of self: A phenomenological study of two Christian musicians

Psychology of Music ◽

10.1177/0305735616665911 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 45 (3) ◽

pp. 400-416 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Annabella S. K. Fung

Keyword(s):

Music Education ◽

Identity Formation ◽

Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis ◽

Phenomenological Study ◽

Social Contexts ◽

Value Systems ◽

Structured Interviews ◽

Holistic Development ◽

Human Needs ◽

Self Discovery

Music draws on body, space, time and relationships to offer a sacred experience. Musicking makes personal, social, emotional and spiritual connections with people. Cultural identity is formed through the arts, and the spirituality in music is a medium through which people explore their identities. This study examines how music facilitates the holistic development of two Melbourne-born Chinese-Australian Christian musicians. The Confucian Evolving Self Model, Maslow’s Hierarchy of Human Needs, and music education aims offer conceptualising scaffolds to illuminate their self-discovery. Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis was used to report on multiple semi-structured interviews undertaken over three years. This study considered the interaction of various value systems – the fusion of Confucianism, Christian and psychological cultures in the process of musical development and identity formation. It fills a research gap and complements existing approaches to understanding the social contexts influencing the acquisition of musical skills and musicians’ occupational choices. The permissive parenting that both participants experienced might account for them being able to follow a career in music without familial resistance. The current findings can advocate for music education because the spiritual aspects of musical experiences were perceived as a mirror in fostering the holistic development of both participants.

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Communication with patients using negative wound pressure therapy and their adherence to treatment

Journal of Wound Care ◽

10.12968/jowc.2019.28.11.738 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 28 (11) ◽

pp. 738-756

Author(s):

Christine J. Moffatt ◽

Susie Murray ◽

Aimee Aubeeluck ◽

Isabelle Quere

Keyword(s):

Health Professionals ◽

Patient Adherence ◽

Study Data ◽

Adherence To Treatment ◽

Structured Interviews ◽

Pressure Therapy ◽

Face To Face ◽

Patient Health ◽

Data Saturation ◽

Ongoing Support

Objective: The purpose of this study was to explore the challenges of communication between patients and health professionals, and patient adherence to treatment for hard-to-heal wounds when using negative wound pressure therapy (NPWT). Methods: Face-to-face, semi-structured interviews were conducted with patients undergoing NPWT. Specific features of the NPWT device were the priority for discussion although other factors central to communication and adherence were also explored. Results: A total of 24 patients took part in the study. Data saturation was achieved during the analysis. Patients required ongoing support to understand complex and often protracted treatment and this was particularly important when specialist technology was used. A distinction was highlighted between those who decided not to adhere with therapy and those who did so unintentionally. Participants faced difficulties in their communications with health professionals and in ensuring their needs were listened to and addressed. Conclusion: Further research is needed to achieve a better understanding of this distinction and to evaluate interventions which can sustain adherence behaviours. Further exploration of how to establish concordant patient/health professional communications is warranted.

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Feeling powerless: a feeling expressed by caregivers of sexual violence victims

Revista Latino-Americana de Enfermagem ◽

10.1590/s0104-11692009000300002 ◽

2009 ◽

Vol 17 (3) ◽

pp. 289-294 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Maria Eduarda Cavadinha Correa ◽

Liliana Maria Labronici ◽

Tatiane Herreira Trigueiro

Keyword(s):

Continuing Education ◽

Sexual Violence ◽

Health Professionals ◽

Phenomenological Study ◽

Social Issues ◽

Graduate Programs ◽

Structured Interviews ◽

Daily Routines

This phenomenological study aimed to reveal the meaning of providing care to victims of sexual violence. The study was carried out from December 2006 to March 2007 with 12 health professionals. Data were collected through tape-recorded semi-structured interviews, whose analysis followed the phenomenological trajectory. The following theme emerged: Feeling powerless, a feeling expressed by caregivers of sexual violence victims. The feeling of powerlessness is continuously fed by health professionals' daily routines, given the impossibility of solving situations of violence, of problems that emerge from the other's subjectivity, as well as social issues, because these professionals were not trained for that. Thus, it is essential to address the issue both in undergraduate and graduate programs in health and human areas. Institutions should promote continuing education so that these professionals can act properly.

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Understanding the childbirth experiences of childhood sexual abuse survivors: a phenomenological study

10.32920/ryerson.14644200 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Caitlin Mathewson

Keyword(s):

Sexual Abuse ◽

Childhood Sexual Abuse ◽

Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis ◽

Phenomenological Study ◽

Phenomenological Approach ◽

Abuse Survivors ◽

Structured Interviews ◽

Interpretative Phenomenological Approach ◽

Childbearing Women ◽

Childbirth Experiences

This study describes the childbirth experiences of survivors of childhood sexual abuse using an interpretative phenomenological approach. Data collection involved in-depth, semi-structured interviews of four women who gave birth to a baby within the last five years. Using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis, three superordinate themes emerged: control, anxiety, and detachment. This contributes to the current body of research by extending knowledge on what it means to experience childbirth for survivors of childhood sexual abuse, told by the woman herself. These findings are especially important in understanding what is required in providing safe, sensitive care for all childbearing women, and has important implications for practice, education, and further research.

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The Lived Experiences of Parents of Iranian Young Women with Multiple Sclerosis

10.21203/rs.2.19039/v1 ◽

2019 ◽

Author(s):

Marzieh Panahi ◽

Zahra Tazakori ◽

Mansoureh Karimollahi

Keyword(s):

Multiple Sclerosis ◽

Young Women ◽

Lived Experiences ◽

Phenomenological Study ◽

Positive Impact ◽

Structured Interviews ◽

The Family ◽

Data Saturation ◽

Open Coding ◽

Colaizzi's Method

Abstract Background: Chronic illness in children causes more mental health risks for parents than other members of the family. Therefore, exploring the experiences of parents living with young women who have multiple sclerosis and presenting them to healthcare planners and managers can have a positive impact on community health. This study aimed to explore the experiences of parents of young women with multiple sclerosis in Iran. Methods: This research was a phenomenological study, and sampling was continued until data saturation, and 12 participants were chosen. The data were gathered using semi-structured interviews and analyzed using Colaizzi's method. Results: Open coding resulted in 450 codes, and after several stages of analysis and integration of similar codes, five main concepts, and 21 sub-concepts was produced. The main concepts included distress, trapping, adaptation barriers, response to illness, and reconciliation with the disease. Conclusion: This study showed the disease affects all dimensions of the parents' life and can lead to the experiences that are new to them and may lead to confusion. These findings can lead to more effective parental care for their daughters. It can also reduce the burden of disease on the family, the health system, and the community.

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I’m Losing the ‘Me’: Partners’ Experiences of Engagement with Parkinson's Health Professionals

Brain Impairment ◽

10.1017/brimp.2015.19 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 16 (2) ◽

pp. 116-130 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Meredith Bolland ◽

Andrew Guilfoyle ◽

Romola S. Bucks

Keyword(s):

Parkinson’S Disease ◽

Parkinson's Disease ◽

Health Professionals ◽

Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis ◽

Process Model ◽

Phenomenological Analysis ◽

Primary Data ◽

Structured Interviews ◽

Effective Care ◽

Emerging Themes

Background: Partners of people with Parkinson's disease (PD) have first-hand knowledge relevant to the management of the person with Parkinson's (PwP). If captured, this knowledge may improve effective care for the PwP. However, there is a lack of research focusing primarily on partners’ experiences of engagement with health professionals working in PD (HPPs).Methods: Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) was used to investigate the meaning of partners’ experiences of engagement with HPPs. Semi-structured interviews with 15 partners of PwP provided primary data. Each interview was digitally recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed for emerging themes.Results: Three themes emerged: (i) partners’ lack of entitlement for their own needs to be met; (ii) submersion of self in the partnership and (iii) health professionals as agents of support. Additionally, sub-themes were identified, such as barriers to feeling entitled, setting up a premise for entitlement, and lost identity. Together, these themes highlight the current lack of focus on the partners of PwP. A process model was developed to describe partners’ cyclic progression through the various stages of their experience, and in the process, identifying initiatives for intervention.Conclusion: Given a lack of focus on the needs of partners of PwP, these preliminary insights could inform the delivery of improved services that support partners. This will ultimately benefit the PwP.

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Reflections on volunteer nurses' work and caring experiences during COVID-19: a phenomenological study

Journal of Research in Nursing ◽

10.1177/17449871211007529 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 174498712110075

Author(s):

Loretta Yuet Foon Chung ◽

Lin Han ◽

Yifei Du ◽

Libo Liu

Keyword(s):

Lived Experiences ◽

Phenomenological Study ◽

Management Strategies ◽

Sampling Strategy ◽

External Support ◽

Resource Utilisation ◽

Structured Interviews ◽

Familial Bonds ◽

Data Saturation ◽

Colaizzi's Method

Background With epidemics emerging at a hastened pace, a phenomenological study allows researchers to cast aside their perceptions to understand nurses’ lived experiences, and from there to discover previously unavailable insights at the epicentre of a pandemic. Aims To understand volunteer nurses’ lived experiences in Wuhan. Methods A descriptive phenomenological study with a purposive sampling strategy was used to describe volunteer nurses’ experiences in Wuhan. Interviews continued until data saturation. Ten semi-structured interviews of 30 to 60 minutes duration were conducted from 27 to 30 March 2020. The narrative data were audiotaped, transcribed and analysed using Colaizzi’s method. Results Four themes emerged: mission and challenges denoted the participants’ realisation of the grim challenges ahead; challenges called for actions that described the concerted actions through partnerships and familial bonds; caring acts from all around revealed an external support system; and actions that made a difference portrayed the interplay of actions with feelings, thoughts and further actions to accomplish the mission. Conclusions This phenomenological study showed the interplay of nurses’ intentions and actions, and ‘actions speak louder than words’ when nurses were motivated by workmates’ actions to change their feelings, thoughts and actions. The concerted efforts can be used to develop educational programmes, management strategies and institutional policy on structure, system and resource utilisation, as well as dissemination of scientific knowledge to global healthcare workers and the public.

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