Abstract
Aim: Establishing the gynaecological cancer patients’ expectations, experiences and understandings of the HDR brachytherapy treatment.Method: Qualitative research design with a descriptive phenomenological research approach; to get insight into the lived experience. Interviews were conducted with purposive sampling.
Findings: Themes emerged from the analysed data: 1) Treatment-expectation, 2) Treatment-experience, 3) Post-treatment understanding and 4) Overarching themes.
Discussion: Major challenges were experienced with mixed thoughts and feelings, from negative trauma to desires being fulfilled. These patients should be receiving more information regarding their upcoming brachytherapy treatment. This can alleviate some of their fears and anxieties, which can guide them to having a better brachytherapy treatment experience. Envisaged outcomes and desires are used to cope. Patients influence each other negatively, so they rather want to “see for themselves”.
Conclusion: Although patients had some set-backs and negative experiences throughout the brachytherapy continuum, they are left with a positive outlook saying that it is an excellent and necessary treatment.
Keywords: Gynaecological Cancer Patients, Expectations, Experiences and Understanding of High Dose Rate Brachytherapy Treatment.
| Date of Award | 1 Sept 2023 |
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| Original language | English |
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| Supervisor | Chandra Makanjee (Supervisor) |