Reaching out for the Truth; A Need Universal to Every Woman with Cancer: A Qualitative Content Analysis

Abstract

Background: One of the unmet needs in close association with the quality of life in women with breast cancer is the need for communication; therefore, the aim of the ongoing research is to elucidate the communication needs of patients with breast cancer. Methods: The present study is a Qualitative Content Analysis covering a cohort of people including 20 patients, physicians and nurses who were selected from amongst clients and staff of Shohadaye Tajrish and Taleghani hospitals affiliated to the Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences. Purposive sampling was conducted and continued until data saturation. Semi-structured interviews were used for data collection. All the interviews were recorded and transcribed into typed text. Analysis of data was done simultaneously applying content analysis as outlined and developed by Graneheim & Lundman (2004) using the software MAXQDA. The data trustworthiness was evaluated using the criteria developed by Lincoln & Guba. Results: wo major categories were earned: "identifying sources of information", and "the necessity of a training package"; while the major category of "the desire to know" was explored as the need marked by the breast cancer patients during cancer treatment process. Conclusion: It appears essential to provide relevant information about the disease and how-to-care procedure as well as to identify the sources of information to meet the patients' needs for their participation in treatment decision-making and optimal management of life. Also, nurses and healthcare staff are required to work out the care provision programs by prioritizing the informational needs of the patients.