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Yoon Sun Kim1
, Young Sook Tae2, Keum Hee Nam3, Heui Yeoung Kim4
, Young Sook Tae2, Keum Hee Nam3, Heui Yeoung Kim4
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study was to investigate the experience of uncertainty in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy in South Korea.
Methods
Data were obtained from in-depth interviews with ten cancer patients conducted from Mar. 21 to Nov. 11, 2017. The data were collected until saturation and analyzed via Colazzi's phenomenological method.
Results
In this study, 6 categories were extracted: Four categories contributed to uncertainty including ‘Confusion about cancer and course of treatment’, ‘Inner conflicts’, ‘Being overwhelmed by treatment’, and ‘Unknown future’. Two categories facilitated coping with uncertainty including ‘Seeking knowledge’ and ‘Need for spiritual peace’.
Conclusion
Uncertainty experiences for cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy in different societies is largely similar. However, some experiences seemed unique to Korean patients. Also, there is a great deal of uncertainty about the treatment outcomes and loss of treatment opportunities in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. The results of this study will help oncology professionals develop patient-centered psychological interventions by improving understanding of the uncertainty of cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy.
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