From U Surrey: 'It's all bad news': the first 3 months following a diagnosis of malignant pleural mesothelioma

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22903737

Psychooncology. 2012 Aug 18. doi: 10.1002/pon.3162. [Epub ahead of print]

'It's all bad news': the first 3 months following a diagnosis of malignant pleural mesothelioma.

Arber A, Spencer L.

Source

School of Health and Social Care, University of Surrey, Duke of Kent Building, Guildford, Surrey, UK.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE:

This study explores patient's experience during the first 3 months following a diagnosis of malignant pleural mesothelioma.

METHODS:

This study uses a grounded theory approach with semi-structured, face-to-face interviews with 10 patients during the first 3 months following diagnosis.

RESULTS:

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.

CONCLUSIONS:

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.