'It's all bad news': the first 3 months following a diagnosis of malignant pleural mesothelioma. Issue 7 (18th August 2012)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Arber, Anne; Spencer, Lesley
• Is Part Of: Psycho-oncology. Volume 22:Issue 7(2013)
• Page Start: 1528
• Page End: 1533
• Publication Date: 2012-08-18
• Subjects: Cancer -- Psychological aspects -- Periodicals; Cancer -- Social aspects -- Periodicals; Neoplasms -- psychology -- Periodicals; 616.9940019
• DOI: 10.1002/pon.3162
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1057-9249

Abstract

<abstract abstract-type="main"> <title>Abstract</title> <sec id="pon3162-sec-0001" sec-type="section"> <title>Objective</title> <p>This study explores patient's experience during the first 3 months following a diagnosis of malignant pleural mesothelioma.</p> </sec> <sec id="pon3162-sec-0002" sec-type="section"> <title>Methods</title> <p>This study uses a grounded theory approach with semi‐structured, face‐to‐face interviews with 10 patients during the first 3 months following diagnosis.</p> </sec> <sec id="pon3162-sec-0003" sec-type="section"> <title>Results</title> <p>The key concept that emerged from the data was this: Uncertainty and lack of control leading to emotional, physical and psychosocial distress. Three themes informed the key concept: ' it's all bad news', 'good and bad days' and strategies of amelioration. Patients worked with a short‐term perspective on their illness but worried about the long‐term outcome and the speed of their deterioration.</p> </sec> <sec id="pon3162-sec-0004" sec-type="section"> <title>Conclusions</title> <p>Patients receive insufficient psychosocial support during the first 3 months following diagnosis. An early palliative care referral would improve support and referral strategies during the first 3 months of the disease. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley &amp; Sons, Ltd.</p> </sec> </abstract>