Phenomenological Study on Lived Experiences of Patients Undergoing Radiation Therapy in a Selected Hospital, Calicut


Article PDF :

Veiw Full Text PDF

Article type :

Original article

Author :

Dr. Sheeja CV

Volume :

11

Issue :

21

Abstract :

Introduction: Radiation therapy involve the use of ionizing radiation rays to cure or improve symptoms of cancer by damaging DNA of that cell. Radiation therapy is used for treating different types of cancers effectively. Patients undergoing radiation therapy are having physical & psychological discomfort and cause difficulties in doing their daily living activities. Identifying the experiences of patients will help the health care team to plan the patient care efficiently. Aim and Objective: The purpose of the study was to explore the lived experience of patients undergoing Radiation therapy to attain a realistic view of difficulties after exposure to Radiation therapy. Research Design: Descriptive phenomenological research design was selected by the researcher to disclose the lived experience of patients undergoing Radiation therapy. Method: Semi-structured interviewschedule with a purposive sample of 10 patients undergoing Radiation therapy were conducted. Verbatim transcripts were analyzed by using Descriptive phenomenological Analysis. Results: Five super-ordinated themes were emerged from the analysis are living with physical discomfort, pain, emotional disturbances, psychosocial difficulties,unable to do daily activities. The sub themes for living with physical discomfort include nausea, vomiting & dyspnea, for emotional disturbances include feeling dejected& unable to cope up with any stress and for psychosocial difficulties are not willing to mingle in social gatherings and feeling bad for taking help from others in doing their day to day activities. Conclusion: Physical & psychological discomfort of the study participants who are undergoing Radiation therapy were identified through their Lived experience. Sudden changes in their living style caused due to Radiation therapy have increased the physical and psychological impact in their life. Relevance to clinical practice: It is important to identify physical, emotional and psychosocial issues faced by the patients undergoing Radiation therapy enable the health care team to plan and give individualized care. Exploring the lived experience of patients wouldmake it possible to provide planned nursing care to patients undergoing Radiation therapybased on their needs.

Keyword :

Radiation Therapy, Living Experience
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