Korean J Adult Nurs.  2017 Oct;29(5):472-483. 10.7475/kjan.2017.29.5.472.

The Illness Adaptation Process of Patients Suffering from Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS): Doing My Best in Uncertainty

• Kim AK

• KMID: 2406517
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.7475/kjan.2017.29.5.472

Abstract

PURPOSE
The purpose of this study was to describe and explore the adaptation process of patients with myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS).
METHODS
Using a grounded theory methodology, 15 interviews were performed with nine men and six women, 43-83 years of age, suffering from MDS. Data were analyzed using the constant comparative analysis method.
RESULTS
The core category emerged as "To do my best in uncertainty". MDS patients engaged in three stages: Panic, Active fighting against illness, and Putting down/Adaptation phase. Causal conditions were unexpected cancer diagnosis, endless painful treatment, and uncertainty. Contextual conditions were physical deterioration and differences in recovery. The central phenomenon of the illness adaptation process among the patients with MDS was powerlessness at the dead end. Action/Interaction strategies included dependence on the constant medical care, physical energy conservation, mind control and environmental control. Intervening conditions were social support and desire to live. Consequences were hope for recovery and tug-of-war from repetition of exacerbation and recuperation.
CONCLUSION
When caring for these patients, it is important to identify needs, allow patients to express what they want at that moment and support them in maintaining a daily life.

MeSH Terms

Diagnosis
Female
Grounded Theory
Hope
Humans
Male
Methods
Myelodysplastic Syndromes*
Panic
Uncertainty*

Figure

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  Figure 1. The illness adaptation process of patients with MDS.

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