Objectives The purpose of this study was to explore the experiences of cancer patients utilising SolarisCare’s four cancer support centres in Western Australia.
Methods Across the four locations during the ‘snapshot’ week 191 patients attended a SolarisCare centre. Ninety-seven patients completed survey 1 and 65 of those (mean age = 61 SD± 12; female n=47; male n=18) completed survey 2. The first survey investigated patient demographics and disease variables, use of complementary therapies and support services, and patient rated outcomes (PROs) including quality of life, fatigue, exercise habits, and physical distress symptoms. The second survey patients completed consisted of open-ended questions designed to explore patients perceptions of complementary therapies offered whilst undergoing outpatient medical treatment and their general use of the cancer support centres services. Inductive and deductive content analyses using NVivo software were used to analyse responses.
Results Five higher order themes were identified, namely; coping, well-being, challenges, support and relaxation. Twenty-five first order themes were identified, which were clustered into a framework of multifaceted views held by cancer patients in relation to their quality of life, the importance of support, personal empowerment and well-being.
Conclusions Cancer patients and those around them are faced with multiple challenges throughout and following medical treatment. In order to effectively target and enhance complementary support services in a hospital setting and improve patient outcomes, it is crucial to explore the experiences of patients in their own words.
Key Words Cancer Patients - Quality of Life - Complementary Therapies - Supportive Care - Patient Rated Outcomes