The lived experience of Lebanese oncology patients receiving palliative care

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to uncover the lived experience of Lebanese oncology patients receiving palliative care. The study design was based on the Utrecht School of Phenomenology based on the Dutch school of phenomenology. This study followed purposeful sampling in which ten participants, six women, and four men, with a mean age of 54.4 years were selected. In-depth semi-structured interviews along with observation field notes were used as the source for data collection. Data were analyzed using the hermeneutic phenomenological approach based on the Utrecht School of Phenomenology. The participants highlighted their distress from being dependent; their dislike for pity; their worry for the family and the worry about the family's worry; their reliance on God and divinity; their dislike of the hospital stay; their need to be productive; their fear of pain; and their need to communicate. Specific nursing actions related to the themes would include exploring patients’ ideas, beliefs, and experiences regarding pain, and improved communication among patient, family, and the health care providers.