Korean J Rehabil Nurs.  2022 Jun;25(1):22-31. 10.7587/kjrehn.2022.22.

Experiences of Accessing Medical Services after Diagnosis in Breast Cancer Survivors

• Oh JW
• Oh JW
• Kim MR
• Kim MR

• KMID: 2530973
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.7587/kjrehn.2022.22

Abstract

Purpose
This study comprehensively examined the experiences of breast cancer survivors' while accessing healthcare facilities for developing nursing intervention programs to enhance and maintain patients' health.
Methods
As part of this qualitative study, focus group interviews were conducted with six breast cancer survivors from December 30, 2020, to April 30, 2021.
Results
Qualitative data analysis revealed four themes and nine sub-themes using a medical institution after diagnosis in breast cancer survivors. Four themes were ‘burden that individuals still have to bear’, ‘hospital situation that is not patient-centered’, ‘alternative ways to get information and support from the other resources’, and ‘the journey of long-term treatment and management’. Discussion: To improve the quality of life in breast cancer survivors, it is vital to establish medical services that consider the characteristics of each stage of the disease, in addition to support hospitals and social policy programs that can address the unmet needs of the survivors.

Keyword

Breast neoplasms; Cancer survivors; Hospitals; Focus groups; Qualitative research