Phenomenology of the Experiences of Women with Thyroidectomy

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to identify the common themes of the experiences of women with thyroidectomies in Korea. METHODS: A descriptive phenomenological method was used in this study. The data were collected by individual in-depth interviews with six participants, and analyzed using methods presented by Colaizzi. RESULTS: Five theme clusters were derived from the data as follows "Uninvited guest came without notice", "Feeling of confinement", "Suffering and endurance to live", "Added suffering for a woman", "The crossover of anxiety and affirmation" CONCLUSION: The results of this study can guide nurses to understand women with thyroidectomy and contribute to the nursing education program development and improvement of nursing practice.