ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: World is currently challenging with Covid-19 pandemic. Nutritional status is a determinant factor in the treatment process and recovery for patients with Covid-19. Although a limited data is available about the effects of nutrition on this disease. Therefore, the aim of this study was to identify nutritional problems in patients recovering from Covid-19 before, during and after the disease. METHODS: This qualitative descriptive study was carried out based on the specified inclusion criteria through targeted sampling of 45 patients recovered from Covid-19, 2021-2022. In-depth semi-structured individual interviews were used to collect data. Interviews were recorded, transcribed and analyzed using qualitative content analysis method and MAXQDA Software. RESULTS: Based on the participants' description of this stage, it can be reported that most of the individuals who were infected had no specific symptoms. Nutrition-linked problems in the main stage of the disease included troubles in tolerating foods and nutrition (e.g., fatty and solid foods), highly consumed foods in the main stage of the disease (e.g., beverages), individuals' approaches to improve nutritional challenges (e.g., consumption of herbal teas and soft texture foods) and using supplements. The patients stated fewer nutritional problems after recovering from the disease. The most significant change included their desire to eat solid foods such as rice, bread, pasta and fast foods. CONCLUSION: appropriate nutrition with medication can help accelerate the recovery process of the patients, especially hospitalized patients with further severe degrees of the illness.
ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION: Since communication is considered to be one of the central concepts in caregiving practices, this study aims to examine the perception of women with breast cancer in terms of their communication needs. METHODS: In this qualitative study, 20 participants (9 women with breast cancer, 10 of health-care professionals, and one family caregiver) were selected through purposive sampling, and a face-to-face semi-structured interview was conducted with each of them. After data collection, all interviews were transcribed and reviewed, and categories were extracted. The data were analyzed with Conventional Content Analysis of Landman and Graneheim using MAXQDA10 software. RESULTS: The analysis resulted in two extracted categories: "therapeutic communication" and "facilitating empathy", and five subcategories: "trust-building therapist", "crying out to be heard," "seeking a soothing presence," "sharing knowledge," and "supportive peers". CONCLUSION: Identifying and promoting the communicative needs of patients could lead to a considerably better care of patients under treatment. Therefore, therapeutic communication, as an integral part, should be incorporated into the care plan for patients with breast cancer and their families in the Oncology and Palliative Care wards.
ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION: To establish a palliative care system (PCS) in Iran, it is necessary to identify the potential barriers. AIM: This study aims to highlight the views of stakeholders to know the challenges of providing palliative care for women with breast cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Semi-structured in-depth interviews are used with purposeful sampling conducted in Tehran, Iran; from January to June 2015. Twenty participants were included in the study: nine patients with breast cancer and ten health-care providers. The interviews were analyzed using qualitative directed content analysis based on Donabedian model. Data credibility was examined using the criteria of Lincoln and Guba. RESULTS: Based on the pattern of Avedis Donabedian model, two main categories were identified: (1) palliative care services in the health system still remain undefined and (2) lack of adequate care providers. The subcategories emerged from the main categories are: (1) Inexistent home care, (2) specialized palliative care being in high demand, lack of: (a) Rehabilitation program and guidelines, (b) treatment/training protocols, (c) inefficient insurance and out-of-pocket costs, (d) patient referral system, (e) nontransparency of job description, and (f) weakness of teamwork. DISCUSSION: The findings of the study identify views and perceptions of patients as well as the health professionals around the challenges of providing palliative care. To establish a structured PCS, we need to meet the challenges and remove perceived barriers to, including but not limited to, building up knowledge and awareness of health professionals, educating professional, and developing updated, well-defined, and standard treatment protocols, tailored to local conditions.
