How do young adults (19-24 years) living with cancer experience supportive care?
Background
When do you become an adult? Unlike adolescence, whose arrival is signaled by puberty, adulthood has no recognized mark of onset. However early or young adulthood is increasing seen as an important life-stage in which identity is tested, developed and honed. The physical and psychological impact of a sudden and unexpected diagnosis of cancer on young adults at this stage in their lives is an insult recognised to need specific attention from cancer services. Yet little is known of the specific supportive care needs of the individuals affected by such an event. However it is also possible that the neurological, psychological and self-identity development at this time may equip those affected with the cognitive aptitude to adjust to life as a patient and make complex decisions for their present and future life. Thus personal and as well as external agency may be involved in the response to cancer at this time.
The purpose of this study is to develop a substantive theory in answer to the question – How do young adults (19-24 years) living with cancer experience supportive care?
With the aims to
- identify the experiences of young adults living with cancer of receiving supportive care
- determine how supportive care is perceived by young adults living with cancer
- define the meaning of supportive care to young adults living with cancer.
Using constructivist grounded theory this study will ask how supportive care is identified, perceived and defined by young adults living with cancer.
Method
Data will be collected through in-depth one to interviews with young adults recently diagnosed with cancer and field-notes gathered at the time and place of data collection. In accordance with the chosen methodology sampling strategies for interviews will initially use purposive sampling. Later as codes and categories emerge theoretical sampling will take place. Concurrent to data collection data will be analyzed through the use of initial and focused coding as well as the constant comparative method. In the latter stages of data analysis theoretical coding and in-depth memos will be applied in the development of a core category and substantive theory.
Findings
The work presented in this report is that undertaken during the year of academic study for the Professional Doctorate in Nursing supported by the Florence Nightingale Foundation, Teenage Cancer Trust & The Raisa Gorbachev Foundation. On completion of the Professional Doctorate (late 2014) each of these organizations will receive a summary of the completed thesis (to include implications for practice and recommendations for future research).
Conclusion
The young adult is viewed as an actor whose behaviour is rational and goal-directed. Cancer is an unexpected disruption in a planned young adulthood. How young adults experience and manage their supportive care is to be explored. Findings from the work will lead to a greater understanding of their needs and influence both practice and future research This research proposal outlines the first stage in this doctoral research and it is with thanks to the three supportive organizations that this research proposal is submitted as a reflection of the supported year.