Cancer patients' perceptions of their participation and own resources after receiving information about discontinuation of active tumour treatment

Abstract

The focus of most studies on informational needs has been on primary cancer diagnosis. The aim of this study was to explore how cancer patients in a palliative care setting perceived their own participation and resources after receiving information about the discontinuation of active tumour treatment. Thirty cancer patients admitted to a hospital-based home-care unit participated in the study. Semi-structured interviews were conducted and analysed using a phenomenographic method. The patients described their own participation as being either verbally passive or active, in order to receive more information or to avoid information. Furthermore, previous knowledge, at different levels, was described as important: 1) Unsuspecting naive. 2) apprehensive suspicious. 3) well prepared. Patients' own resources included a sense of wellbeing, a sense of security and individual strength. In conclusion, patients' previous knowledge and own resources are important components for their capacity to take part in the dialogue when receiving information.