The experience and role of partners in helping to meet the support needs of adolescents and young adults with cancer.

Abstract

To explore the experiences and needs of partners who are supporting adolescents and young adults with cancer. The diagnosis of cancer at any age is significant. Uniquely, in adolescents and young adults this is set against the backdrop of early adult development. This is at a time when young people may be embarking on new experiences and the development of romantic relationships is no exception. There is limited evidence of how partners cope during this time and what their role is alongside how the relationship may change over time. An exploratory qualitative study using narrative enquiry. The protocol was approved in February 2018 and data will be collected between May - December 2018. The theoretical approach will incorporate positioning theory by considering the contextual situation of the partner with reference to their stories, including their rights and duties. Two interviews will be undertaken which will be approximately 2months apart, where participants will be asked to share their stories. They will also be given a diary at the end of the first interview to record their thoughts about their role and relationship. The diary and interview data will be thematically analysed. It is envisaged that the study will culminate in the identification of key themes which will illuminate the experiences, needs and roles of partners of adolescents and young adults with cancer. These findings will inform the development of guidance which will help partners in the future in this area of practice.