'It's all bad news': the first 3 months following a diagnosis of malignant pleural mesothelioma

Psychooncology. 2013 Jul;22(7):1528-33. doi: 10.1002/pon.3162. Epub 2012 Aug 18.

Abstract

Objective: This study explores patient's experience during the first 3 months following a diagnosis of malignant pleural mesothelioma.

Methods: This study uses a grounded theory approach with semi-structured, face-to-face interviews with 10 patients during the first 3 months following diagnosis.

Results: The key concept that emerged from the data was this: Uncertainty and lack of control leading to emotional, physical and psychosocial distress. Three themes informed the key concept: ' it's all bad news', 'good and bad days' and strategies of amelioration. Patients worked with a short-term perspective on their illness but worried about the long-term outcome and the speed of their deterioration.

Conclusions: Patients receive insufficient psychosocial support during the first 3 months following diagnosis. An early palliative care referral would improve support and referral strategies during the first 3 months of the disease.

Keywords: grounded theory; pleural mesothelioma; psychosocial care; terminal illness; uncertainty.

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Emotions*
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Interviews as Topic
  • Male
  • Mesothelioma / diagnosis*
  • Mesothelioma / psychology*
  • Middle Aged
  • Pleural Neoplasms / diagnosis*
  • Pleural Neoplasms / psychology*
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • Uncertainty