Abstract
Purpose: The objective of this qualitative study was to understand the perceived needs of advanced-stage cancer patients with chemotherapy-related hand-foot syndrome (HFS) and/or targeted therapy-related hand-foot skin reaction (HFSR). Method: Face-to-face interviews were conducted with 20 outpatients with advanced/recurrent cancer and chemotherapy-related HFS and/or targeted therapy-related HFSR using a semi-structured interview guide at Keio University Hospital, Tokyo, Japan. Thematic analysis was used to analyse the data. Results: The unmet needs of cancer patients with chemotherapy-related HFS and/or targeted therapy-related HFSR was identified through four themes: a sense of helplessness with persistent symptoms, noticeable appearance as a barrier to social participation, decreased willingness to work and continue treatment, and need of individual coping strategies. Conclusion: This study revealed unmet needs of cancer patients with chemotherapy-related HFS and/or targeted therapy-related HFSR that are not often voiced. Health care providers should provide full information in advance and find the best coping strategy for individual patients.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 65-69 |
| Number of pages | 5 |
| Journal | European Journal of Oncology Nursing |
| Volume | 38 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - 2019 Feb |
Keywords
- Cancer
- Chemotherapy
- Hand-foot skin reaction
- Hand-foot syndrome
- Qualitative research
- Targeted therapy
- Unmet needs
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Oncology(nursing)
