[Search for the meaning of "yutori" for patients living with cancer].

Abstract

With the arrival of successful treatment modalities for many types of cancer, the care of patients living with cancer has become an important. The purpose of this study was to provide insight into QOL and describe the meaning of "Yutori" of patients living with cancer. Subjects were 18 patients who lived with cancer and agreed to participate this study. The mean age was 54.2. Data were collected through semistructured interviews and analyzed using the technique of Making a Domain Analysis in The Ethnographic Interview by Spradley. For the cancer patients the significant meanings referred to a condition of being in an individual mind and life which was related to "peace of mind", satisfaction and happiness. The concept of "yutori" has twenty aspects. These aspects of "yutori" were categorized into three themes: "keeping my own self", preserving their "vital energy source", the joy of being alive. This study suggests that the experience of cancer patients were emerged positive aspects in their lives. In order to promote these positive aspects, nurses must respect the individual pace and values in the patients' lives, and understand the context of each individual's experience as a person living with cancer.