The needs and concerns of adult haematology patients on completion of initial active chemotherapy treatment in West Wales: a qualitative investigation

Watts, Tessa ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1201-5192, Bower, Janet and Samuel, Heuwlen Morgan 2018. The needs and concerns of adult haematology patients on completion of initial active chemotherapy treatment in West Wales: a qualitative investigation. Presented at: Crossing Boundaries in Cancer Care, Glasgow, 16 - 17 November 2018.

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Abstract

Introduction: In Wales, cancer incidence is rising at a rate of 1.5% a year (WCISU 2017). As cancer treatments have advanced, so has survival (Cancer Research UK 2016, Macmillan, 2015). The Welsh Government (2016) has set directives to ensure steps are taken to prevent people feeling unsupported when cancer treatments end. Service improvement: Haematology patients face intense treatment pathways with real potential for long term and late effects. As a chemotherapy nurse working in a rural setting I frequently observe people’s struggles as they complete treatments. There is a lack of research exploring adult haematology patients’ needs on completion of active treatment. Such research is needed to identify their unique needs and inform development of a sustainable model of supportive care. Aim: The aim was to identify and explore adult haematology patients’ needs and concerns on completion of active anti-cancer treatments and their thoughts on effective post-treatment support. Methodology: A qualitative, inductive approach was selected using semi-structured interviews with a purposive sample of seven haematology patients in rural West Wales. Ethical approval was granted and data were analysed using thematic content analysis. Results: Three themes emerged from the data analysis: the long-term side-effects of treatment; lifestyle changes; and moving forward. The findings revealed the lasting struggle as participants transitioned beyond active treatment. Life for participants who had undergone stem cell transplant was particularly challenging. Furthermore their experience of follow up failed to address their holistic needs. Conclusions: Findings add to our understanding of life after cancer treatment, particularly for those treated with stem cell transplant and living in rural communities. This highlights the need to explore beyond the widely documented physical side-effects of this treatment approach. There is a need to strengthen collaborative working between cancer centres and local hospitals using a whole person approach.

Item Type:	Conference or Workshop Item - unpublished
Status:	Unpublished
Schools:	Schools > Healthcare Sciences
Funders:	RCBC Wales/Tenovus Cancer Care
Projects:	The needs and concerns of adult haematology patients on completion of initial active chemotherapy treatment in West Wales: a qualitative investigation
Last Modified:	08 Oct 2026 13:52
URI:	https://orca.cardiff.ac.uk/id/eprint/116715

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