Managing daily life among people with advanced cancer living at home: Responding to uncertainties related to shifting abilities, home care, and treatment

Abstract

Introduction People with advanced cancer are increasingly expected to live at home and manage the consequences of illness and treatment. The purpose of this study was to explore how people with advanced cancer manage the influence of home care and treatment on occupations and habits. Method Constructivist grounded theory guided the collection and analysis of data from 22 people with advanced cancer. Data were collected using in-depth interviews and participant diaries. Findings Uncertainty about abilities to engage in occupation and home care and treatment delivery disrupted participants’ daily life. Participants employed various strategies to manage uncertainties and to preserve a sense of agency and control. Conclusions This study provides insights into how people with advanced cancer manage and respond to the impact of illness, home care, and treatment in their daily life. The findings may aid occupational therapists to develop and deliver interventions that allow their patients to maintain a sense of agency in their daily life.

The intentional pursuit of everyday life while dying: A longitudinal qualitative study of working-aged adults living with advanced cancer

“…3,18,19,28,[52][53][54][55][56][57][58][59][60][61] Often the 'little things' in everyday life became the most important. 3,27 For working-aged adults, this often related to their valued role of parent or worker, or doing things with (e.g. playing together) or for (e.g.…”

“…Furthermore, although other occupational therapy research examines strategies used by people living with advanced cancer to manage their everyday activities, the unique roles of the working-aged cohort have received minimal attention. 3,27,28…”

“…Furthermore, although other occupational therapy research examines strategies used by people living with advanced cancer to manage their everyday activities, the unique roles of the working-aged cohort have received minimal attention. 3,27,28 Rehabilitation is utilised routinely to optimise function following illness, surgery or to prevent frailty, but it is not used routinely for people with advanced cancer. 29 In 2021, the World Health Organization 30,31 declared that rehabilitation be considered as an integral component of palliative care services.…”

The Mediating Effect of Uncertainty in Illness on Cancer Coping in Patients With Primary Malignant Brain Tumors

“…Cancer patients face UI in unpredictable situations and feel anxiety about the future from the moment of their initial cancer diagnosis 18 . With severe physical and/or cognitive symptoms, insufficient information, and a lack of social support, patients with cancer experience high levels of UI 9,19 . Mishel’s Uncertainty in Illness Theory explained that UI is a neutral concept as a cognitive status 20 .…”

“…18 With severe physical and/or cognitive symptoms, insufficient information, and a lack of social support, patients with cancer experience high levels of UI. 9, 19 Mishel's Uncertainty in Illness Theory explained that UI is a neutral concept as a cognitive status. 20 Mishel 12 explained that UI coping abilities, rather than UI itself, influence disease adaptation.…”