Beghean, Rahela and Coffey, Laura (2021) “You either sink or you swim, and you're better off swimming”: A qualitative study exploring the self-management experiences of soft tissue sarcoma survivors. European Journal of Oncology Nursing, 55 (102602). ISSN 1462-3889 (Submitted)

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Abstract

Purpose: To qualitatively explore the consequences of soft tissue sarcoma and its treatment experienced by survivors, the self-management strategies they use to deal with these consequences, and any factors that may act as barriers or facilitators to their self-management. Methods: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with seven soft tissue sarcoma survivors who had completed their primary treatment. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed and thematically analysed. Results: Physical, psychological and social consequences of soft tissue sarcoma and its treatment were identified, with side-effects, physical restrictions, body image issues, fear of recurrence, feeling depressed, familial relationships and sexual activity being the most frequently reported. Nine different types of self-management strategy encompassing eighteen specific strategies were identified, including cognitive strategies, lifestyle changes and utilisation of resources. Personal, social and environmental facilitators of self-management were identified; being in a relationship, being at an appropriate life stage, and having support from family, friends and medical staff were most commonly reported. Finally, personal and environmental barriers to self-management included the adaptation period, ongoing complications, rareness of sarcoma and poor patient-healthcare provider communication. Conclusions: The findings of this study suggest that soft tissue sarcoma survivors, especially those who are younger and experience physical limitations, may find the immediate post-treatment period particularly challenging and may benefit from nurse-led self-management support.

Item Type:	Article
Additional Information:	This is the preprint version of the published article, which is available at: Rahela Beghean, Laura Coffey, “You either sink or you swim, and you're better off swimming”: A qualitative study exploring the self-management experiences of soft tissue sarcoma survivors, European Journal of Oncology Nursing, Volume 55, 2021, 102062, ISSN 1462-3889, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ejon.2021.102062. (https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1462388921001708)
Keywords:	Sarcoma; Self-management; Cancer survivors; Qualitative; Rare cancer;
Academic Unit:	Assisting Living & Learning,ALL institute Faculty of Science and Engineering > Psychology
Item ID:	15009
Identification Number:	https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ejon.2021.102062
Depositing User:	Laura Coffey
Date Deposited:	15 Nov 2021 15:09
Journal or Publication Title:	European Journal of Oncology Nursing
Publisher:	Elsevier
Refereed:	Yes
URI:	Publisher Publisher
Use Licence:	This item is available under a Creative Commons Attribution Non Commercial Share Alike Licence (CC BY-NC-SA). Details of this licence are available here

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