Experiences of cancer rehabilitation among patients in rural areas in northern Iceland: physical and psychosocial well-being, coping, quality of life, and satisfaction with care. A qualitative study

Abstract

Physical rehabilitation and psychosocial support are a part of cancer patients well-being and their ability to cope. Physical geography and healthcare provider barriers may have negative influences on patients' health outcomes. To explore the perceptions and experiences of cancer rehabilitation in a rural area in northern Iceland. A further aim was to explore patients' physical and psychosocial wellbeing, coping and satisfaction with care. A qualitative study using semi-structured interviews and thematic analysis was completed with a purposive sample of 21 patients at a tertiary hospital in northern Iceland. Three main themes emerged: 1) Rehabilitation -the need for improved access support and continuity; 2) Coping and quality of life -balancing life as it was before cancer against the present situation in order to achieve normality; 3) Satisfaction -encountering caring behaviours enhances satisfaction and well-being. Specifically targeted rehabilitation programmes need to be included in the treatment options for cancer patients. Survival instinct, coping mechanisms and a strong urge to maintain general functionality are of paramount importance intertwined with patients' ability to cope with the disease and treatment, and their satisfaction with care.

Unmet supportive care needs and associated factors: Evidence from 4195 cancer survivors in Shanghai, China

“…Research studies related to cancer patients in some countries have shown that cancer patients typically have greater unmet needs, which are positively associated with cancer-specific distress ( 12 , 13 ). The long-term unmet need may substantially reduce patients’ treatment adherence, leading to serious consequences of poorer treatment outcomes, shorter survival, poorer prognosis, and higher risk of recurrence ( 14 – 16 ). A national survey study that included 8,935 Japanese cancer patients showed that younger patients were significantly less satisfied with positive communication with medical staff and with items related to their survivorship in post-treatment care ( 16 ).…”

“…The long-term unmet need may substantially reduce patients’ treatment adherence, leading to serious consequences of poorer treatment outcomes, shorter survival, poorer prognosis, and higher risk of recurrence ( 14 – 16 ). A national survey study that included 8,935 Japanese cancer patients showed that younger patients were significantly less satisfied with positive communication with medical staff and with items related to their survivorship in post-treatment care ( 16 ). In addition, for patients with rare cancers, delays and extensions in diagnosis were often associated with reduced trust in the professionalism of the patient’s doctor ( 17 ).…”