The experience of health-related quality of life in extended and permanent cancer survivors: A qualitative systematic review.

Publisher: Wiley Country of Publication: England NLM ID: 9214524 Publication Model: Print-Electronic Cited Medium: Internet ISSN: 1099-1611 (Electronic) Linking ISSN: 10579249 NLM ISO Abbreviation: Psychooncology Subsets: MEDLINE

Original Publication: Chichester, W. Sussex, England : Wiley, c1992-

Health Status*; Cancer Survivors/*psychology ; Neoplasms/*rehabilitation ; Quality of Life/*psychology; Humans

Objective: This qualitative systematic review aims to synthesize qualitative evidence from primary studies on experiencing health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in extended and permanent cancer survivors.
Methods: A systematic literature search was performed in PubMed, CINAHL, LILACS, PsycINFO, Scopus, and Web of Science. It followed guidelines from the statement in the Enhancing Transparency in Reporting the Synthesis of Qualitative Research (ENTREQ). A quality appraisal of each study was undertaken using the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme. Data synthesis was conducted according to the thematic synthesis approach. Confidence in each review finding was assessed using the Confidence in the Evidence from Reviews of Qualitative research (Grade-CERQual).
Results: Twenty-four studies from nine countries were selected for the final sample. Analysis of the studies' results allowed for the construction of nine descriptive themes that were interpreted into three analytical themes: "The body as a representation of HRQoL," "Living through and beyond cancer: the re-signification of HRQoL," and "Employing resources to improve HRQoL." According to the CERQual approach, moderate confidence estimations were achieved for the results.
Conclusions: The themes reflect that the HRQoL experience is re-signified by survivors from the privilege of being alive. This process happens with the support of social resources, family, hope, and spirituality. Based on the findings, it is suggested that health staff should be able to recognize the impact that cancer survival has on HRQoL and develop a care plan that addresses needs to sustain health in these survivors.
(© 2020 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

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Keywords: cancer; health-related quality of life; oncology; psycho-oncology; qualitative research; review; survivors

Date Created: 20200714 Date Completed: 20201229 Latest Revision: 20201229

20240513

10.1002/pon.5472

32658362