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Exchanging narratives—A qualitative study of peer support among surgical lung cancer patients

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  • Britt Borregaard
  • Mette Spliid Ludvigsen

Abstract

Aim and objective The aim of this study was to examine how hospitalised, surgical lung cancer patients experience talking to a former patient, and how the former patient experiences the role as supportive. Background During hospitalisation, patients often create a community in which they can engage with fellow patients. The exchange of experiences with others in a similar situation might increase opportunities for support and complement nursing care, but there is a need for more evidence and understanding on the topic. Design The methodological framework is based on the French philosopher Paul Ricoeur's text interpretation theory. Qualitative interviews were conducted with nine patients, including a peer informant, using a narrative structure. The analysis was conducted on three levels: (i) naïve reading, (ii) structural analysis and (iii) critical interpretation . Results Four themes were developed from the analysis of the interviews: Exchanging emotional thoughts is easier with a peer; Talking to a peer reduces loneliness; Being ambiguous about a relationship with fellow patients; and Being the main person in the conversation with a peer. Sharing stories about having similar symptoms and undergoing similar journeys predominated, and the key feature of the contact between patients was the commonality of their stories. Critical interpretation and conclusion Telling one's story to a former patient, and thereby creating a joint, common story, is the essence of this study. The support received in this process can be empowering because knowledge of the illness experience is shared and increased. This can help create new coping strategies. The contact with a former patient offered a way to confirm one's thoughts and to find a way out of the illness perspective, by seeing how the former patient had recovered. Relevance to clinical practice The nursing field faces challenges in the relational aspect of caring because of ever greater efficient and shortened hospital stays; therefore, the peer support concept is becoming increasingly relevant. Patient peers offer each other their own perspectives, and it is important to raise awareness of the value of this and incorporate it into patient stays in hospital.

Suggested Citation

  • Britt Borregaard & Mette Spliid Ludvigsen, 2018. "Exchanging narratives—A qualitative study of peer support among surgical lung cancer patients," Journal of Clinical Nursing, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 27(1-2), pages 328-336, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:wly:jocnur:v:27:y:2018:i:1-2:p:328-336
    DOI: 10.1111/jocn.13903
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Ussher, Jane & Kirsten, Laura & Butow, Phyllis & Sandoval, Mirjana, 2006. "What do cancer support groups provide which other supportive relationships do not? The experience of peer support groups for people with cancer," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 62(10), pages 2565-2576, May.
    2. Schwartz, Carolyn E. & Sendor, Rabbi Meir, 1999. "Helping others helps oneself: response shift effects in peer support," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 48(11), pages 1563-1575, June.
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    1. Pia Elbrønd & Ida E. Højskov & Malene Missel & Britt Borregaard, 2020. "Food and heart—the nutritional jungle: Patients’ experiences of dietary habits and nutritional counselling after coronary artery bypass grafting," Journal of Clinical Nursing, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 29(1-2), pages 85-93, January.

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