A qualitative exploration of a respiratory distress symptom cluster in lung cancer: Cough, breathlessness and fatigue

A. Molassiotis, M. Lowe, F. Blackhall, P. Lorigan

    Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

    Abstract

    There is a growing awareness that symptoms frequently co-occur in 'symptom clusters' and that understanding these clusters may improve the management of unrelieved symptoms in patients. In-depth longitudinal exploration of lung cancer patients' symptom experiences is used to examine patient symptom experiences and distress across the disease trajectory of lung cancer. Methods: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with patients and their primary caregivers at four time points: At the beginning of treatment and then subsequently at three, six, and twelve months. Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis was employed in the data analysis. Findings: Findings indicate that a cluster of interacting respiratory symptoms play a central role in patients' symptom experiences within the lung cancer population. The interviews also suggest that symptoms such as cough which are under-represented in research within this population may play an important role in patients' symptom experiences. Discussion: Longitudinal qualitative investigation offers a valuable method for improving our understanding of patients' experiences of lung cancer and for identifying potential opportunities to improve patient quality of life. © 2010 Elsevier Ireland Ltd.
    Original languageEnglish
    Pages (from-to)94-102
    Number of pages8
    JournalLung Cancer
    Volume71
    Issue number1
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - Jan 2011

    Keywords

    • Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis
    • Longitudinal
    • Lung cancer
    • Respiratory symptom cluster
    • Symptom experiences

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