Experiences of Fundamental Care Needs After Cytoreductive Surgery Combined With Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy: A Qualitative Study.

Abstract

Aim: To explore how patients experience their fundamental care needs during the early phase of recovery after cytoreductive surgery combined with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy.

Design: Qualitative with deductive approach.

Methods: Thirteen participants were interviewed approximately 2 weeks after surgery. A deductive, qualitative content analysis was performed based on the Fundamentals of Care framework.

Results: All three dimensions in the Fundamentals of Care framework were represented, most of which were physical needs: personal hygiene, toilet needs, nutrition, mobility, sleep and rest, and physical well-being. The most evident psychological needs were participation and information. Participants highly valued the nurse-patient partnership as promoting recovery but expressed that environmental factors could hamper care and recovery.

Conclusion: Physical needs are commonly interrelated with psychological needs and the relation with nurses, highlighting the complexity of nursing and importance of a person-centred approach. Environmental factors and organisational policies impact patients' opportunities to have their physical and psychological needs met.