Psychological Transition Characteristics of Patients Diagnosed with Asbestos-Related Mesothelioma

YOSHIMI KASAI, OKIO HINO
2018 Juntendo Medical Journal  
Objective: This study aimed to explore malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) patients' experiences of post-diagnostic psychological transition. Design: Qualitative research design was used to investigate MPM patients' experiences of transition. Methods: Semi-structured interviews were conducted of five participants with MPM. A phenomenological hermeneutical method was used. Their narratives were translated to the meaning units, they were analyzed to subthemes, themes, and main themes, and
more » ... ied to the transition attitudes and actions. Results: Four main themes of transition attitudes were identified:"Attempting to continue independent living and to manage symptoms" ,"Accepting the incurability of the disease in spite of being overwhelmed" ,"Deciding on treatment and life through uncertainty" , and"Maintaining positive relationships with family" . These themes were influenced on six main themes of transition action:"Creating new self-care regime" ,"Gathering information about asbestos exposure and MPM" ,"Preparing for dying through self-experience or the experience of other patients" ,"Receiving emotional support from family, coworkers, care providers" ,"Developing positive rapport with hospital staff toward effective treatment" , and"Awarding of compensation" . Conclusions: Psychological transition was identified as changes, disruption and reconstruction of aspects of the patients' physical symptoms management, acceptance of MPM and dying, decision making, and family relationships. A positive psychology transition may result from being able to ease symptoms, obtaining useful information resources, sharing in decision making, and receiving care, including family support. This study has established a framework of analysis, which can be applied to clinical responses and to future studies with larger statistical samplings.
doi:10.14789/jmj.2018.64.jmj17-oa09 fatcat:x6d2vsmg6jc6tniixbkbe3q5qu