Qualitative study on the meaning of life in patients with advanced lung cancer / 中国实用护理杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective:To explore the meaning of life in patients with advanced lung cancer.Methods:A total of 21 patients with advanced lung cancer who were hospitalized in the Pulmonary Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Tongji University from April 2018 to July 2018 were selected for in-depth interviews using qualitative research method, and the collected data were analyzed with the Colaizzi 7-step Colaizzi method.Results:Three dimensions, seven themes were extracted. The core of the meaning of life was "self-iteration", which included the two themes of self-recognition and cherishing life; the existence form of the meaning of life was "you-wei", which included the two themes of self-reliance and altruismin; the meaning of life was embodied in three levels life -reviewing, including gratitude, stigma and avoidance; cherishing the present, including using the support system, active response, independence and integrity; confronting the future, including accompanying relatives, preparing for death, living with high quality of life.Conclusions:Medical care providers and family members can provide targeted professional guidance and psychological support according to the characteristics of patients to help them discover the meaning of life, thereby enhancing their sense of meaning of life, improving the quality of life, and achieving a good end.