Understanding care when cure is not likely for young adults who face cancer: a realist analysis of data from patients, families and healthcare professionals.

ABSTRACT:

Objectives

To understand the experiences of young adults with cancer for whom cure is not likely, in particular what may be specific for people aged 16-40 years and how this might affect care.

Design

We used data from multiple sources (semi-structured interviews with people with cancer, nominated family members and healthcare professionals, and workshops) informed by a preliminary programme theory: realist analysis of data within these themes enabled revision of our theory. A realist logic of analysis explored contexts and mechanisms affecting outcomes of care.

Setting

Three cancer centres and associated palliative care services across England.

Participants

We aimed for a purposive sample of 45 people with cancer from two groups: those aged 16-24 years for whom

SUBMITTER: Kenten C 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6352841 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature