Not as simple as "fear of the unknown": A qualitative study exploring anxiety in the radiotherapy department.
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ICR Authors
Authors
Gimson, E
Greca Dottori, M
Clunie, G
Yan Zheng, C
Wiseman, T
Joyce, E
McGregor, A
McNair, H
Greca Dottori, M
Clunie, G
Yan Zheng, C
Wiseman, T
Joyce, E
McGregor, A
McNair, H
Document Type
Journal Article
Date
2022-02-21
Date Accepted
2022-01-26
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: Little is understood about the anxiety experienced by cancer patients undergoing radiotherapy or investigative imaging. Our aim was to identify sources of anxiety, the points along the cancer journey where anxiety occurred and methods to alleviate it. METHODS: Six focus groups were conducted with cancer patients (n = 17), caregivers (n = 3) and healthcare practitioners (HCPs; n = 10) in the radiotherapy department. Patients described specific elements in the care pathway which induced anxiety, while HCPs focused on their perception of the patient experience. Thematic analysis was used to analyse data. RESULTS: Three broad themes emerged: The Environment, The Individual and The Unknown. The physical environment of the hospital, inside the scanner for example, emerged as a key source of anxiety. The impact of cancer on patients' individual lives was significant, with many feeling isolated. The majority of participants described anxiety associated with the unknown. HCPs reported difficulty in identifying the anxious patient. CONCLUSIONS: Anxiety is experienced throughout the cancer pathway. Common sources include the physical environment and the uncertainty associated with having cancer. Identifying both anxiety-inducing factors, and the anxious patients themselves, is crucial to enable targeted interventions to alleviate anxiety.
Citation
European Journal of Cancer Care, 2022, 31 (2), pp. e13564 -
Source Title
European Journal of Cancer Care
Publisher
WILEY
ISSN
0961-5423
eISSN
1365-2354
1365-2354
1365-2354
Collections
Research Team
RMH Honorary Faculty