Experiences of cancer rehabilitation among patients in rural areas in northern Iceland: physical and psychosocial well-being, coping, quality of life, and satisfaction with care. A qualitative study

• Published in: International Journal of Circumpolar Health
• Main Authors: Björnsdóttir, Eygló Brynja, Hjörleifsdóttir, Elísabet, Sigurðardóttir, Þórhalla, Baruchello, Giorgio, Þormóðsson, Finnbogi Rútur
• Format: Text
• Language: English
• Published: Taylor & Francis 2021
• Subjects: Original Research Article; Circumpolar Health; Iceland
• Online Access: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8204953/; http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/34114531; https://doi.org/10.1080/22423982.2021.1936974

Physical rehabilitation and psychosocial support are a part of cancer patients well-being and their ability to cope. Physical geography and healthcare provider barriers may have negative influences on patients’ health outcomes. To explore the perceptions and experiences of cancer rehabilitation in a rural area in northern Iceland. A further aim was to explore patients’ physical and psychosocial well-being, coping and satisfaction with care. A qualitative study using semi-structured interviews and thematic analysis was completed with a purposive sample of 21 patients at a tertiary hospital in northern Iceland. Three main themes emerged: 1) Rehabilitation – the need for improved access support and continuity; 2) Coping and quality of life – balancing life as it was before cancer against the present situation in order to achieve normality; 3) Satisfaction – encountering caring behaviours enhances satisfaction and well-being. Specifically targeted rehabilitation programmes need to be included in the treatment options for cancer patients. Survival instinct, coping mechanisms and a strong urge to maintain general functionality are of paramount importance intertwined with patients’ ability to cope with the disease and treatment, and their satisfaction with care.