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ABSTRACT: Objective
The study explores how newly diagnosed patients with acute leukaemia and their patient ambassadors experience the mentorship during the patient ambassador support programme.Methods
Explorative semi-structured individual interviews (n = 28) were carried out in patients with acute leukaemia (n = 15) and their patient ambassadors (n = 13). Interpretive description was the methodological framework used for the thematic analysis of the qualitative interview data.Results
Identified themes were as follows: (a) exchanging life experiences (subthemes: individualised support and a meaningful return); (b) existential cohesion; (c) interreflection; and (d) terms and conditions (subtheme: break in journey). Patients experienced a feeling of being understood, the cohesion leading to hope and a feeling of being able to cope with their situation. Patient ambassadors experienced a sense of meaningfulness and gratitude for life.Conclusions
Patients and patient ambassadors experienced benefits from the individualised support. Their shared experiences created a connection and mutual mirroring, which led to a sense of hope and gratitude for life. Initiatives that introduce peer-to-peer support in newly diagnosed patients with acute leukaemia as part of treatment and in daily clinical practice are crucial. Future studies should further examine the feasibility of peer-to-peer support interventions along the trajectory of acute leukaemia.
SUBMITTER: Norskov KH
PROVIDER: S-EPMC7757225 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Nov
REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature
Nørskov Kristina Holmegaard KH Overgaard Dorthe D Lomborg Kirsten K Kjeldsen Lars L Jarden Mary M
European journal of cancer care 20200628 6
<h4>Objective</h4>The study explores how newly diagnosed patients with acute leukaemia and their patient ambassadors experience the mentorship during the patient ambassador support programme.<h4>Methods</h4>Explorative semi-structured individual interviews (n = 28) were carried out in patients with acute leukaemia (n = 15) and their patient ambassadors (n = 13). Interpretive description was the methodological framework used for the thematic analysis of the qualitative interview data.<h4>Results< ...[more]