Introduction
Methods
Study design
Participants
Procedure
Analysis
Rigour
Results
Number | Percentage | |
---|---|---|
Gender | ||
Male | 12 | 34.3 |
Female | 23 | 65.7 |
Marital status | ||
Married | 27 | 77.1 |
Single | 3 | 8.6 |
Divorced | 0 | 0 |
Widowed | 5 | 14.3 |
Race/ethnicity | ||
White | 31 | 88.6 |
Mixed race | 0 | 0 |
Black/African/Afro-Caribbean | 1 | 2.85 |
Asian | 2 | 5.7 |
Other | 1 | 2.85 |
Employment status | ||
Full-time | 4 | 11.4 |
Part-time | 2 | 5.7 |
Home-maker | 4 | 11.4 |
Retired | 18 | 51.4 |
Unemployed | 1 | 3 |
Disability/sick leave | 4 | 11.4 |
Other | 2 | 5.7 |
Positive experience
Negative experience
Response | Code | Theme | Frequency | % |
---|---|---|---|---|
Relaxation intervention (n = 18) | ||||
“It encouraged me and felt like a good back-up after the chemo.” (Female, 63) | Encouraged | Positive | 15 | 83.3 |
“I think it was very helpful to have a ‘post-treatment assignment’. I think it helped create a bridge between chemo and ‘normal’ life, I’m really glad I participated.” (Female, 48) | Gave focus to recovery | |||
“I liked the regular contact with the person conducting the research as it made me feel like there were things being done to measure my recovery.” (Female, 39) | Good to track progress | |||
“It was helpful but I feel it went on too long, 8 weeks would have been enough.” (Female, 91) | Too long | Negative | 3 | 16.7 |
“I found it increasingly difficult as I didn’t feel benefit from the relaxation and breathing exercise and they became a chore.” (Female, 39) | Difficult to do | |||
Exercise Intervention (n = 17) | ||||
“It encouraged me to become active again after 6 months of ‘hibernation’.” (Male, 68) | Encouraged | Positive | 15 | 88.2 |
“I enjoyed it, as it gave me a focus and ability to record what I had achieved.” (Male, 57) | Gave focus to recovery | |||
“It helped me find some support to carry on. I knew I was not alone somebody was looking after me also my body and see how I was progressing”. (Female, 61) | Good to track progress | |||
“My only regret was not being able to carry out all the exercises as suggested. As a carer for my wife I didn’t have the time to do it.” (Male, 51) | Took time | Negative | 2 | 11.8 |
“Participation limited because of side effects in early stages of programme.” (Male, 72) | Difficult to do |
Transition phase
I felt rather abandoned. (Female, 39).
After treatment there was a ‘hiccup’. I felt tired and found it annoying and frustrating. (Male, 57).
Motivators
I would have focused on activity anyway, but this programme helped—it gave me a structure and showed how much I needed to do. (Male, 57).
Respondents also reported they liked the contact with the researcher and tests to measure fitness and recovery.Having a designated activity with a set time encouraged me. (Female, 63).
Suggestions for improvement
I don’t think the consultants were very clear or good at explaining how you could help them help yourself. Their advice was very vanilla, so impossible to do anything with. (Male, 57).
I would have liked advice on what you might expect—things that might happen that don’t mean anything is wrong just a result of chemo. Doctors are quick to say everything is ok, ‘be positive’. (Female, 77).
Advice on diet and dietary supplements would be helpful. There was no mention of this and I find that very disappointing. (Male, 60).
Would have liked some diet advice confirming what one is doing is on the right track. (Male, 53).