Experiences of cancer rehabilitation among patients in rural areas in northern Iceland: physical and psychosocial well-being, coping, quality of life, and satisfaction with care. A qualitative study

International Journal of Circumpolar Health

Eygló Brynja Björnsdóttir¹  Þórhalla Sigurðardóttir¹  Elísabet Hjörleifsdóttir²  Finnbogi Rútur Þormóðsson²  Giorgio Baruchello² 

[1] Akureyri Regional Hospital;University of Akureyri;

关键词: arctic circumpolar;    rehabilitation;    support;    physical activity;    caring;    coping;    rural areas;    satisfaction with care;   

DOI  :  10.1080/22423982.2021.1936974

来源: DOAJ

【 摘 要 】

Physical rehabilitation and psychosocial support are a part of cancer patients well-being and their ability to cope. Physical geography and healthcare provider barriers may have negative influences on patients’ health outcomes. To explore the perceptions and experiences of cancer rehabilitation in a rural area in northern Iceland. A further aim was to explore patients’ physical and psychosocial well-being, coping and satisfaction with care. A qualitative study using semi-structured interviews and thematic analysis was completed with a purposive sample of 21 patients at a tertiary hospital in northern Iceland. Three main themes emerged: 1) Rehabilitation – the need for improved access support and continuity; 2) Coping and quality of life – balancing life as it was before cancer against the present situation in order to achieve normality; 3) Satisfaction – encountering caring behaviours enhances satisfaction and well-being. Specifically targeted rehabilitation programmes need to be included in the treatment options for cancer patients. Survival instinct, coping mechanisms and a strong urge to maintain general functionality are of paramount importance intertwined with patients’ ability to cope with the disease and treatment, and their satisfaction with care.

【 授权许可】

Unknown