Purpose: The purpose of this study is to clarify the daily life experiences of head and neck cancer patients suffering from multiple problems following hospital discharge.
Methods: We conducted semi-structured interviews with 11 head and neck cancer patients who were being seen on an outpatient basis at least 1 year after discharge from hospital following completion of treatment (surgical therapy, chemoradiotherapy) and who gave their consent to participate in this study. The semi-structured interviews were based on an interview guide (inconveniences in their daily lives, how they overcame these inconveniences, etc.). Data were qualitatively and inductively analyzed.
Results: Five categories were extracted as daily life experiences of head and neck cancer patients suffering from multiple problems following discharge. These were “altering the diet to make food easier to eat and maintaining physical mobility,” “enduring pain and protecting one’s body,” “communicating one’s current intentions and experiences,” “doing what one can because one has support for the pain,” and “living one’s life normally.”
Conclusions: Head and neck cancer patients wish to live in their own way but find it difficult to express their intentions. The results of this study reaffirmed the importance of nurses providing support that allows patients sufficient opportunity to express their own intentions and to take actions that are acceptable to them.