7.2.3 The illness experiences of patients following surgery for colorectal cance - a phenomenological approach (185)

Barbara Worster, Senior lecturer, Adult Nursing Studies, Canterbury Christ Church University College, Canterbury, United Kingdom barbara.worster@canterbury.ac.uk

Abstract:

Colorectal cancer is the fourth most common cancer throughout the world (WHO, 2003). Whilst cancer is a disease it is also a series of experiences that profoundly affect the person (Carnevali and Reiner, 1990). The treatment of each cancer produces different physical and psychological effects, which means that such experiences will be unique to each individual and, therefore, subject to considerable variation mediated by the patient’s perspective of his/her situation. The purpose of this qualitative study was to describe the patients’ perspective of their experiences of their illness following surgery for colorectal cancer. It adopted a Giorgian phenomenological approach, which in turn follows the Husserlian tradition (Koch, 1995). Data was collected from a purposeful sample of twenty patients using in-depth interviews approximately six weeks after surgery. The transcripts were analysed using Giorgi’s framework resulting in descriptive statements representing the participants’ illness experiences. These were grouped into categories that best captured the structure of the phenomenon. The participants had much to endure. The findings indicate that the illness experience is complex, comprising a range of unpleasant and potentially life-changing emotional and physical experiences. The journey encompassed transitions from health to disease, wellness to illness, independence to dependence and from being in complete control of their lives to having to relinquish it. It also included a fight between hope and despair, certainty and uncertainty and efforts to regain physical strength and a functioning body that allows the individual to function physically without discomfort and socially without loss of dignity or embarrassment. The role of the healthcare professionals at all levels has to be to facilitate and support such transitions by providing information to both patient and carers, supporting decision making, taking care of physical problems and human integrity. The role of the Colorectal Nurse Specialist was found to be pivotal but unfortunately not a resource available to all.

Biography:

I am a senior lecturer in the Department of Nursing and Applied Clinical Studies at Canterbury Christ Church University. My academic speciality is clinical science which includes teaching anatomy, physiology, pathophysiology and pharmacology to both pre-registration and post-registration allied health students. My clinical interest is oncology and I have recently completed my PhD investigating the patient experiences of individuals suffering from colorectal cancer.