Abstract
Background Treatment of sarcoma often involves long-term hospitalisation, extensive surgery, loss of mobility, complex rehabilitation programmes, and is in many cases accompanied by low expectations of survival. Subsequently, poorer patient-reported outcomes are recorded in comparison to patients with other cancer types. Studies examining psychosocial functioning of those affected by sarcoma are needed to improve wellbeing. Aim This study aims to explore the experiences of adolescents and young adults (AYA) with sarcoma. Methods A total of 35 AYA diagnosed with soft-tissue and bone sarcoma (19 female) aged 13–39 years old (M=28.8; SD=6.7) participated in semi-structured telephone/face-to-face interviews (25 diagnosed within the previous 4 years; 4 had an amputation). Interviews were recorded and transcribed verbatim and analysed using Framework analysis. Results The quality of life domains of physical, emotional and social wellbeing were the overarching themes of analysis. In addition to descriptions of the impact of sarcoma on these domains, results showed three influencing factors of AYA experience: healthcare professionals’ role; social support and coping strategies. AYA described experiences of being reassured and receiving information at the right level from professionals. Healthcare professionals’ expertise and accessibility was valued by AYA. Family, friends and interactions with peers with cancer were core elements of support. Adaptation after diagnosis, treatment and/or surgery was influenced by the way AYA dealt with stress and adversity, with some struggling with finding their ‘new normal’. Rehabilitation and therapy/counselling services had a considerable role in AYA’s physical and emotional wellbeing; however access to these services was not equitable. Conclusions A sarcoma diagnosis disrupts normality and initiates a process of re-examining expectations for self, daily life, and future hopes and plans. This study shows the impact of sarcoma on AYA’s wellbeing and identity development; protective/risk factors identified could guide future support interventions for AYA with sarcoma.
Highlights
Physical activity is associated with a variety of physical and psychosocial health benefits, but levels of moderate-to-vigorous intensity physical activity remain low worldwide
The application of virtual reality (VR) gaming systems involving movement (VR exergames) to promote physical activity is a promising avenue for engaging people in more physical activity
We conducted a thematic analysis of 465 reviews of the 31 most popular exergames sold in the top three VR marketplaces, Steam, Viveport and Oculus
Summary
Physical activity is associated with a variety of physical and psychosocial health benefits, but levels of moderate-to-vigorous intensity physical activity remain low worldwide. Aim To generate a critical understanding of the social construction of knowledge about cervical cancer risks and prevention, in order to better understand why women in Norway may postpone cervical screening. One of the most relevant challenges of healthcare systems is to provide high quality and cost-effective responses in progressive advanced chronic conditions with limited life prognosis and palliative care needs (PACC). These populations represent 75% of the mortality in middle-high income countries, a prevalence of 1.5% of general population, and 35%–45% of hospital admissions. Our study is informed by this perspective and based on the implementation of a screening instrument identifying needs of PACC 48 hours after their hospital admission. Establish survival rates relating it to each illness trajectory (cancer, organ failure, frailty, and dementia)
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