The Hematology Cancer patient Experience of ' Facing Death' in the last Year of Life: A Constructivist Grounded Theory Study

Campbell, Karen; Harris, Fiona; Stoddart, Kathleen

Abstract

Background
For hematology cancer patients, the process of dying is described as “troublesome.” Qualitative studies have focused on views of healthcare professionals and caregiver stakeholders. To date, there have been no studies from the patient’s perspective on facing death while in the last year of life.

Objective
The aim of this study was to develop an understanding of the hematology cancer patient’s experience of the process of dying in the last year of life.

Methods
The study method was constructivist grounded theory using semistructured interviews, a constant comparison technique, and memoing to collection and analysis of data. The 21 participants were attending a UK cancer center, a cancer unit, or a hospice.

Results
This article describes 1 core category within the incurable hematology cancer illness trajectory through 4 subcategories: transitional phase, chronic phase, dying phase, and liminal phase.

Conclusion
This unique study illustrates that, although life can be prolonged, “facing death” still occurs upon hospitalization and relapse regularly over the illness trajectory.

Implications for Practice
It is important that clinical practice acknowledges those participants in an incurable illness trajectory while living are focused on avoiding death rather than the ability to cure the disease. Services need to be responsive to the ambiguity of both living and dying by providing holistic management simultaneously, especially after critical episodes of care, to enhance the process of care in the last year of life, and assessment should incorporate the discussion of experiencing life-threatening events.

Citation

Campbell, K., Harris, F., & Stoddart, K. (2024). The Hematology Cancer patient Experience of ' Facing Death' in the last Year of Life: A Constructivist Grounded Theory Study. Cancer Nursing, 47(2), 132-140. https://doi.org/10.1097/NCC.0000000000001180

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Aug 11, 2022
• Online Publication Date: Oct 19, 2022
• Publication Date: 2024
• Deposit Date: Nov 21, 2022
• Publicly Available Date: Oct 20, 2023
• Journal: Cancer Nursing: An International Journal of cancer care research
• Print ISSN: 0162-220X
• Publisher: Lippincott, Williams & Wilkins
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 47
• Issue: 2
• Pages: 132-140
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1097/NCC.0000000000001180
• Keywords: Death, Dying, Grounded theory, Hematology cancer, Last year of life
• Public URL: http://researchrepository.napier.ac.uk/Output/2958439