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Wishing to be perceived as a capable and resourceful person—A qualitative study of melanoma patients’ experiences of the contact and interaction with healthcare professionals

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  • Cecilia Hultstrand Ahlin
  • Åsa Hörnsten
  • Anna‐Britt Coe
  • Mikael Lilja
  • Senada Hajdarevic

Abstract

Aims and objectives To explore patients’ experiences of contact and interaction with healthcare professionals (HCPs) during the diagnostic process of melanoma. Background In Sweden, most patients with suspected skin lesions seek care at the primary level of services in the first instance. Previous research describes the diagnostic process as a complex journey with uncertainty. Nonetheless, the importance of contact and interaction between patient and HCPs during the diagnostic process is rarely explored. Design This study adopted a qualitative design in which semi‐structured interviews were conducted and the COREQ‐checklist for qualitative studies employed (EQUATOR guidelines). Methods A sample of 30 patients (15 women, 15 men) diagnosed with melanoma was included. Secondary analysis of interviews was carried out using qualitative content analysis. Results One theme emerged: Wishing to be perceived as a capable and resourceful person that consisted of three categories: (a) The need of being valued, (b) The need of being informed and (c) The need of taking actions. Conclusions Our results suggest that patients wish to be valued as capable and resourceful persons as well as to be provided with honest and sufficient information about the diagnosis and subsequent procedures. By fulfilling these wishes, HCPs can involve patients in the diagnostic process and reduce patients’ uncertainty. A need of supportive and accessible health care to manage the diagnostic process and to reduce patients’ struggle for care was also identified. Relevance to the clinical practice Patients are satisfied when health care is organised in a patient‐/person‐centred manner, that is, in accordance with patients’ needs, avoiding gatekeeping, and when HCPs interact respectfully in encounters. Accessible HCPs during the diagnostic process of melanoma are required to inform, support and navigate patients within the healthcare system and through their diagnostic journey.

Suggested Citation

  • Cecilia Hultstrand Ahlin & Åsa Hörnsten & Anna‐Britt Coe & Mikael Lilja & Senada Hajdarevic, 2019. "Wishing to be perceived as a capable and resourceful person—A qualitative study of melanoma patients’ experiences of the contact and interaction with healthcare professionals," Journal of Clinical Nursing, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 28(7-8), pages 1223-1232, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:wly:jocnur:v:28:y:2019:i:7-8:p:1223-1232
    DOI: 10.1111/jocn.14730
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Joanne Bird & Patricia Coleman & Sarah Danson, 2015. "Coping with melanoma‐related worry: a qualitative study of the experiences and support needs of patients with malignant melanoma," Journal of Clinical Nursing, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 24(7-8), pages 937-947, April.
    2. Salander, Pär, 2002. "Bad news from the patient's perspective: an analysis of the written narratives of newly diagnosed cancer patients," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 55(5), pages 721-732, September.
    3. Wyke, Sally & Adamson, Joy & Dixon, Diane & Hunt, Kate, 2013. "Consultation and illness behaviour in response to symptoms: A comparison of models from different disciplinary frameworks and suggestions for future research directions," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 86(C), pages 79-87.
    4. Senada Hajdarevic & Marcus Schmitt‐Egenolf & Christine Brulin & Elisabet Sundbom & Åsa Hörnsten, 2011. "Malignant melanoma: gender patterns in care seeking for suspect marks," Journal of Clinical Nursing, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 20(17‐18), pages 2676-2684, September.
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    1. Lone Jørgensen & Susanne Kastrup Jensen & Bettina Brogaard, 2020. "Situational awareness in the outpatient encounter between patients with breast cancer or malignant melanoma and healthcare professionals: Patients’ perceptions," Journal of Clinical Nursing, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 29(11-12), pages 1981-1990, June.

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