Asian Oncol Nurs.  2020 Mar;20(1):28-38. 10.5388/aon.2020.20.1.28.

Experiences of Inpatients Living with Lung Cancer in South Korea

• Kim HO
• Kim HJ

• KMID: 2507435
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.5388/aon.2020.20.1.28

Abstract

Purpose
This study aimed to examine the processes of adaptation lung cancer patients undergo by examining their social interactions with medical staff, families, and other patients during hospitalization.
Methods
Data were collected from February 2017 to January 2018 for a qualitative research study based on in-depth interviews with 10 participants who were inpatients at a cancer treatment hospital. Data were analyzed using the grounded theory of Corbin and Strauss.
Results
Through comparative analysis, we identified the central phenomenon of the study was, ‘living in a body that is not related to one's own will.’ The causal conditions were, ‘hit by a bolt out of the blue’ and ‘a disease that I do not want to inform others of.’ The contextual conditions were, ‘an encounter with reality’ and ‘breaking down the wall of fear.’ The intervention conditions included, ‘finding comfort in adversity,’ ‘a loaf of bread is better than the song of many birds,’ and ‘the communion of the same situation.’ Action/interaction strategies included ‘sharing information,’ ‘a word of encouragement,’ and ‘accepting the wave of change.’ Finally, the perceived consequences were ‘life redesign’ and ‘a life journey with limited time.’
Conclusion
This study describes the processes underlying how patients find meaning in their lives after a diagnosis of lung cancer. Based on their experiences, it is necessary to offer nursing interventions including admission rooms, equipment, and instruments to meet the unique needs of patients. The findings indicate that inpatient treatment for lung cancer needs more meaningful and effective management.

Keyword

Lung cancer; Qualitative research; Hospital life; Grounded theory; Oncology