Enclosed by Others: Post Haematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation Patients Experience-A Phenomenological Study

Abstract

Introduction: Haematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation (HSCT) has been considered as final treatment strategy for many diseases. Many quantitative studies have been conducted regarding the difficulties that these patients experience after the procedure with the focus being on negative side effects. Aim: This study was conducted to explore lived experiences of Iranian patients after haematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Materials and Methods: A qualitative design method was used in this study. Based on the philosophical perspective of the naturalistic and the phenomenological approach, Van Manen’s method of doing phenomenological study was used in this study. Six patients who had undergone HSCT at least six months ago, older than 18 years and able to communicate participated in the study. Semi-structured interviews were conducted. Data was analysed by using MaxQDA 10. Results: Participants experienced isolation from social, occupational and emotional activities and stated that they are being excessively controlled by their family members. So main theme was “Enclosed by others” and “Excessive care and excessive support” were the two subthemes. Conclusion: It is vital to pay attention to patients feeling of independence when taking care of themselves and to reduce unnecessary support by others. Educating nurses and families of these patients about different aspects of supportive behaviours are required. Also, different types of supportive and unsupportive behaviours should be included in nurses curriculum.

Keywords

• haematopoietic stem cell transplants
• nursing
• phenomenology