The trajectory of hope and loneliness in rectal cancer survivors with major low anterior resection syndrome: A qualitative study. (February 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Pape, E.; Decoene, E.; Debrauwere, M.; Van Nieuwenhove, Y.; Pattyn, P.; Feryn, T.; Pattyn, P.R.L.; Verhaeghe, S.; Van Hecke, A.
• Is Part Of: European journal of oncology nursing. Volume 56(2022)
• Publication Date: 2022-02
• Subjects: Grounded theory -- Hope -- LARS -- Low anterior resection syndrome -- Loneliness -- Nursing -- Qualitative research -- Rectal cancer survivorship; Cancer -- Nursing -- Periodicals; Cancer -- Research -- Periodicals; Oncology -- Periodicals; Oncology Nursing -- Periodicals; Neoplasms -- nursing -- Periodicals; Cancer -- Soins infirmiers -- Périodiques; Cancer -- Recherche -- Périodiques; Cancérologie -- Périodiques; Verpleegkunde; Kanker; Cancer -- Nursing; Cancer -- Research; Oncology; Electronic journals; Periodicals; Electronic journals; 616.9940231
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ejon.2021.102088
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1462-3889

Abstract

Abstract: Purpose: Rectal cancer survivors are often confronted with long-term bowel function impairment, called low anterior resection syndrome. This has a large impact on patients' lives. The aim was to explore the experiences of patients with major low anterior resection syndrome with a specific focus on hope and loneliness. Methods: A grounded theory approach was used. Individual semi-structured interviews (n = 28) were performed between 2017 and 2019. Patients were recruited in three hospitals and a call was distributed in two patients' organizations. During data analysis, the constant comparative method and investigators' triangulation was used. Results: Hope was important at different stages in the trajectory. After treatment patients hoped to pick up their previous life. Confrontation with low anterior resection syndrome was unexpected and patients hoped to manage it through trial and error. They lost hope if further improvement was absent. At that turning point some tried to accept the new lifestyle, others pushed their boundaries and some opted for a permanent stoma. Loneliness presented itself in several layers. Patients experience loneliness due being toilet-bound, changes in their lives and activities outside their homes and the impact on their family life. Conclusion: Assessment of the impact on patients' lives and tailored counselling is possible if healthcare professionals gain more insight into the different layers of loneliness and where the patient is located in the trajectory of hope. Highlights: Patients with major LARS experience hope at different stages. Hope was lost if improvement of their symptoms was absent. Patients with major LARS experience loneliness in several layers. Gaining insight into the layers of loneliness and the trajectory of hope is crucial.