Abstract

Purpose: To explore the post-treatment experiences and preferences for follow-up support of lymphoma survivors.

Methods: Two focus groups were conducted with 17 participants to explore informational, psychological, emotional, social, practical and physical needs, 6-30 months post-treatment for lymphoma. Perceptions regarding a potential model of survivorship care were also elicited.

Results: Thematic content analysis revealed five key themes: Information; Loss and uncertainty; Family, support and post-treatment experience; Transition, connectivity and normalcy, and Person-centred posttreatment care. Participants described a sense of loss as they transitioned away from regular interaction with the hospital at the end of treatment, but also talked about the need to find a “new normal”. Establishing post-treatment support structures that can provide individualised information, support, reassurance and referrals to community and peer support were identified as a helpful way to navigate the transition from patient to post-treatment survivor.

Conclusions: Participants in our study articulated a need for a flexible approach to survivorship care, providing opportunities for individuals to access different types of support at different times posttreatment. Specialist post-treatment nurse care coordinators working across acute and community settings may offer one effective model of post-treatment support for survivors of haematological malignancies.

Keywords

lymphoma, focus groups, survivorship, unmet needs

Link to Publisher Version (URL)

http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.ejon.2017.03.002

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