Asian Oncol Nurs.  2018 Sep;18(3):115-126. 10.5388/aon.2018.18.3.115.

The Experience of Uncertainty in Cancer Patients Undergoing Chemotherapy

• Kim YS
• Tae YS
• Nam KH
• Kim HY

• KMID: 2421825
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.5388/aon.2018.18.3.115

Abstract

PURPOSE
The purpose of this study was to investigate the experience of uncertainty in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy in South Korea.
METHODS
Data were obtained from in-depth interviews with ten cancer patients conducted from Mar. 21 to Nov. 11, 2017. The data were collected until saturation and analyzed via Colazzi's phenomenological method.
RESULTS
In this study, 6 categories were extracted: Four categories contributed to uncertainty including "˜Confusion about cancer and course of treatment', "˜Inner conflicts', "˜Being overwhelmed by treatment', and "˜Unknown future'. Two categories facilitated coping with uncertainty including "˜Seeking knowledge' and "˜Need for spiritual peace'.
CONCLUSION
Uncertainty experiences for cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy in different societies is largely similar. However, some experiences seemed unique to Korean patients. Also, there is a great deal of uncertainty about the treatment outcomes and loss of treatment opportunities in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. The results of this study will help oncology professionals develop patient-centered psychological interventions by improving understanding of the uncertainty of cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy.

Keyword

Neoplasms; Drug Therapy; Uncertainty; Qualitative Research

MeSH Terms

Drug Therapy*
Humans
Korea
Methods
Qualitative Research
Uncertainty*

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