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A qualitative study on the perceived impact of using an integrated community-based supportive cancer service

Young, Jenny; Snowden, Austyn

Authors

Jenny Young



Abstract

Objective
‘Improving the Cancer Journey’ (ICJ) is an original, community based, multidisciplinary service offering holistic support to people diagnosed with cancer in Scotland. It is the first service of its kind in the UK. The aim of this qualitative study was to explore the experiences of people who have used this service.
Method
Twenty service users were purposively sampled to capture a diverse range of age, sex, cancer types, and deprivation status. Semi-structured interviews explored their experiences of using ICJ. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and thematically analysed.
Results
Thirteen females and seven males (mean age 58 years) were interviewed. Three themes were identified: ‘one person, one place’, ‘routes to unexpected support’, and ‘safety net’.
Conclusion
ICJ was perceived to be beneficial because it met the holistic needs of the ICJ service users. By helping people address concerns earlier rather than later, it prevented problems becoming unmanageable. Having an accessible expert to guide and support them through a range of services provided reassurance and created the space to self-manage at a time of distress. These original findings are internationally relevant because there is little evidence on the impact of holistic support services from the patient perspective.

Citation

Young, J., & Snowden, A. (2019). A qualitative study on the perceived impact of using an integrated community-based supportive cancer service. European Journal of Cancer Care, 28(3), Article e13001. https://doi.org/10.1111/ecc.13001

Journal Article Type Article
Acceptance Date Jan 8, 2019
Online Publication Date Feb 8, 2019
Publication Date 2019-05
Deposit Date Jan 9, 2019
Publicly Available Date Mar 29, 2024
Journal European Journal of Cancer Care
Print ISSN 0961-5423
Publisher Wiley
Peer Reviewed Peer Reviewed
Volume 28
Issue 3
Article Number e13001
DOI https://doi.org/10.1111/ecc.13001
Keywords Cancer, community, holistic needs assessment, navigation, qualitative, supportive care,
Public URL http://researchrepository.napier.ac.uk/Output/1492801

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