‘It's all bad news’: the first 3 months following a diagnosis of malignant pleural mesothelioma
Menée au Royaume-Uni par entretiens auprès de 10 participants, cette étude qualitative analyse, trois mois après le diagnostic, l'expérience psychosociale des patients atteints d'un mésothéliome pleural malin
Objective This study explores patient's experience during the first 3 months following a diagnosis of malignant pleural mesothelioma. Methods This study uses a grounded theory approach with semi-structured, face-to-face interviews with 10 patients during the first 3 months following diagnosis. Results The key concept that emerged from the data was this: Uncertainty and lack of control leading to emotional, physical and psychosocial distress. Three themes informed the key concept: ‘ it's all bad news’, ‘good and bad days’ and strategies of amelioration. Patients worked with a short-term perspective on their illness but worried about the long-term outcome and the speed of their deterioration. Conclusions Patients receive insufficient psychosocial support during the first 3 months following diagnosis. An early palliative care referral would improve support and referral strategies during the first 3 months of the disease. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.