A qualitative study on the experience of thyroid cancer patients about diagnosis and post-surgical radioactive iodine treatment / 中国实用护理杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To explore the experience of thyroid cancer patients about the diagnosis and post-surgical radioactive iodine treatment. Methods A qualitative, descriptive study was used. Thirty-eight patients with thyroid cancer who were undergoing post-surgical radioactive iodine treatment participated in this study. Dairies about the participants′ experience were collected from them. Interpretative phenomenological analysis was used. Results Three superordinate themes emerged: the psychological process from distress to acceptance; the experience about post-surgical radioactive iodine treatment; and personal growth related to the cancer. Conclusions Understanding the psychological process of patients with thyroid cancer after the diagnosis and their experience about post-surgical radioactive iodine treatment can contribute to the clinical staff to improve the care quality for this group.