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.