Changes in Health-Related Quality of Life During Multiple Myeloma Treatment: A Qualitative Interview Study.

Abstract

To explore whether patients with multiple myeloma changed their construct of health-related quality of life during treatment. 14 participants were selected from 10 hematology-oncology departments in Denmark. This interview study used a prospective, longitudinal, exploratory design. Semistructured interviews were conducted while participants were undergoing active treatment for multiple myeloma and six months after the baseline interview. Interviews were analyzed using systematic text condensation. The overall theme at baseline was insecurity, and the overall theme at six months was coping. The following subthemes were also identified based on participants' description of their health-related quality of life: concerns about having a meaningful life, dealing with everyday limitations, and maintaining social networks; adjusting expectations to abilities; expanding social networks; and exploring a meaningful life. Patients' ability to use coping strategies should be considered when screening for rehabilitation needs. During systematic in-depth symptom screening, unmet rehabilitation needs (e.g., physical functioning, fatigue, pain) may become apparent.