Symptom experience and needs of spinal tumor patients with esophagus mucositis treated by Cyberknife: a qualitative study

Abstract

Objective To explore the symptom experience and nursing needs of spinal tumor patients with esophagus mucositis treated by Cyberknife. Methods From May to November 2017, we selected 9 spinal tumor patients treated by Cyberknife of Peking University Third Hospital as subjects by convenience sampling. All of the patients were interviewed by telephone. These data were analyzed with the phenomenological approach of the qualitative study. Results A total of four themes were refined including the esophagus mucositis-correlated symptoms were obvious during Cyberknife therapy, the esophagus mucositis during Cyberknife therapy affected the patients' psychology and treatment progress, the esophagus mucositis during Cyberknife therapy affected taking food, weight and nutrition of patients, patients thought that it was necessary for health care providers to provide patients the esophagus mucositis-correlated professional guidance and late follow-up during and after Cyberknife therapy. Conclusions The radioactive esophagus mucositis has a great influence on patients' physiology and psychology. Health care providersshould strengthen the related guidance and follow-up for patients during and after Cyberknife therapy. Key words: Spine; Cyberknife; Esophagus mucositis; Qualitative study