An exploration of the experiences of people living with Pelvic Radiation Disease

Ludlow, Helen 2018. An exploration of the experiences of people living with Pelvic Radiation Disease. Cardiff University. Item availability restricted.

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Abstract

The number of people being diagnosed with cancer is increasing year on year and it can therefore be assumed that the number of people living with late effects of the cancer treatment is also increasing. Using a descriptive and exploratory qualitative approach, this study considers the experiences of those people with late gastrointestinal effects of cancer treatment. Using this knowledge recommendations will be made to improve future awareness and support for this group of people. Cancer treatment can cause problems which may be evident during or after the treatment is completed, even many years later. Those that occur four to six months after treatment are referred to as late effects, or consequences of treatment. Radiotherapy for pelvic cancer can affect organs within the pelvis, including the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Therefore, although the cancer treatment may be successful, the person may then be living with late GI effects that can have a significant impact upon their life. These symptoms are collectively known as pelvic radiation disease (PRD). Using a qualitative approach, nine participants were involved in interviews, five of whom also had their spouse present. Framework analysis (FA) was used to analyse the interview transcripts. Through the process of familiarisation with the literature the issues that people with PRD were experiencing began to emerge and thus formed the basis of the framework. When applied to the interview transcripts, the framework developed further to highlight three main areas of concern: feelings of stigma, experiences of contact with healthcare services and the need of, but occasional lack of, support from family and friends. This study shows that there is a significant physical, psychological and social impact upon quality of life (QoL) for people with PRD. It is therefore anticipated that the knowledge gained from this study will contribute to improving the care that people with PRD receive, by increasing awareness of PRD, and the affect upon patients, amongst healthcare professionals (HCPs). In addition, this study developed recommendations to v encourage the identification of people with PRD, through the use of existing guidelines and assessment tools.

Item Type:	Thesis (Other)
Date Type:	Completion
Status:	Unpublished
Schools:	Healthcare Sciences
Subjects:	R Medicine > RT Nursing
Date of First Compliant Deposit:	18 May 2019
Last Modified:	04 Aug 2022 02:10
URI:	https://orca.cardiff.ac.uk/id/eprint/122666

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