What is the cancer patient's own experience of participating in an occupational therapy-led relaxation programme?

Abstract

AimThis study investigated 10 cancer patients’ experiences of a relaxation programme run by the Occupational Therapy Department in a specialist cancer centre.BackgroundAnxiety, sleep disturbance, and fatigue are highly prevalent in patients with cancer. The relaxation training programme has been helpful in reducing these symptoms.DesignA retrospective, hermeneutic phenomenology approach was used.MethodThe study sampling consisted of 10 individuals who met the inclusion criteria. Semi-structured interviews were carried out. In keeping with the principles of hermeneutic research, interview data were analysed and key themes were derived over time as a result of fusion of the researcher's own interpretations with those of the interviewees.ResultsThe four themes were the patients’ beliefs in helping oneself during the healing process, using coping mechanisms, being able to set priorities, and being able to take back control. Although each of the themes was interlinked, they are presented individually and discussed in the light of relevant literature.ConclusionThe main conclusion was that patients were not just attending relaxation for their anxiety, but also held strong beliefs that the relaxation helped them cope with symptoms and other issues arising from their cancer experiences.Relevance to clinical practiceThe occupational therapy-led relaxation programme can help symptoms of anxiety and sleep disturbance in cancer patients. This implies further scope for researching how the relaxation helps them in different ways and whether there is any particular time during the treatment trajectory when the relaxation programme would be of optimum benefit.