Experiences of and preferences for self-management among low grade non-Hodgkin's lymphoma survivors: A qualitative interview study.

Supporting self-management is one strategy to help cancer survivors optimise their quality of life. Low grade non-Hodgkin's lymphoma is often incurable with a chronic disease trajectory requiring lifelong self-management. This study explored the views on self-management and preferences for self-management support among survivors of low grade non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and their informal caregivers more than 6 months after completion of systemic anti-cancer therapy. In-depth semi-structured telephone interviews were conducted. Key themes and subthemes were determined using inductive and deductive thematic analysis. The sample included eight survivors of low grade non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and two family caregivers. There were four themes. 1) The chronic nature of low grade non-Hodgkin's lymphoma shapes perceptions of self-management; participants described their cancer as a chronic condition and self-management strategies reflected this. 2) Social networks enable self-management; participants emphasised the importance of making low grade non-Hodgkin's lymphoma survivors aware of social networks. 3) Support and monitoring are needed immediately after the initial treatment phase ends. 4) Preferred components of self-management support; this included regular review with monitoring, advice on diet, and strategies to manage the psychosocial consequences of low grade non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. Providing self-management support to those diagnosed with low grade non-Hodgkin's lymphoma is relevant given the chronic trajectory of the disease. Findings suggest that necessary components of a self-management support programme for those with low grade non-Hodgkin's lymphoma should include regular review with monitoring and practical support around facilitating engagement with social networks. Copyright © 2023 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.. All rights reserved.

Citation

Nickola D Pallin, Mairead O'Connor, Alannah Gannon, John Browne, Mary R Cahill, Derville O'Shea. Experiences of and preferences for self-management among low grade non-Hodgkin's lymphoma survivors: A qualitative interview study. European journal of oncology nursing : the official journal of European Oncology Nursing Society. 2023 Oct;66:102378

Mesh Tags

PMID: 37506608

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