Guo Huanfei, Li Caiyun, Wang Xin, Zhang Jiwen, Liu Yang, Zhang Wei
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引用次数: 0
Abstract
Background: Esophageal cancer is a prevalent malignancy worldwide, often accompanied by dysphagia and malnutrition that necessitate long-term intravenous nutritional support. Peripherally Inserted Central Catheters (PICCs) have become a standard nursing practice to facilitate chemotherapy and parenteral nutrition in these patients. However, maintaining PICCs poses significant challenges that can affect patient adherence and outcomes.
Objective: This study aims to explore the experiences and needs of esophageal cancer patients regarding PICC maintenance after hospital discharge, with the goal of providing evidence to optimize nursing care services.
Methods: A qualitative study was conducted involving semi-structured interviews with 15 esophageal cancer patients receiving PICC care at a specialized oncology hospital in Beijing from October 2024 to January 2025. Descriptive phenomenological methods were used to analyze the data following Colaizzi's seven-step approach.
Results: Patient experiences clustered into four main themes: (1) Survival under the combined pressures of nutritional needs and chemotherapy; (2) Maintenance challenges influenced by anatomical and treatment-related factors; (3) Adherence difficulties due to symptoms and frequent hospital visits; (4) Emotional responses to dramatic physical changes and distressing symptoms.
Conclusion: Esophageal cancer patients face complex, multifaceted needs during PICC maintenance, encompassing practical care, informational support, and psychological assistance. To improve patient adaptation and quality of life, future nursing practices should focus on enhancing care techniques, developing accessible support tools, and strengthening health education strategies.
期刊介绍：
Thoracic Cancer aims to facilitate international collaboration and exchange of comprehensive and cutting-edge information on basic, translational, and applied clinical research in lung cancer, esophageal cancer, mediastinal cancer, breast cancer and other thoracic malignancies. Prevention, treatment and research relevant to Asia-Pacific is a focus area, but submissions from all regions are welcomed. The editors encourage contributions relevant to prevention, general thoracic surgery, medical oncology, radiology, radiation medicine, pathology, basic cancer research, as well as epidemiological and translational studies in thoracic cancer. Thoracic Cancer is the official publication of the Chinese Society of Lung Cancer, International Chinese Society of Thoracic Surgery and is endorsed by the Korean Association for the Study of Lung Cancer and the Hong Kong Cancer Therapy Society.
The Journal publishes a range of article types including: Editorials, Invited Reviews, Mini Reviews, Original Articles, Clinical Guidelines, Technological Notes, Imaging in thoracic cancer, Meeting Reports, Case Reports, Letters to the Editor, Commentaries, and Brief Reports.
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