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    The lived experience of adult patients commencing radiotherapy and/or cytotoxic chemotherapy : thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Arts in Nursing at Massey University
    (Massey University, 1995) Wilson, Alan William
    A Phenomenological Study Of The Lived Experience Of Adult Patients Commencing Radiotherapy And/Or Cytotoxic Chemotherapy This study describes the lived experience of seven adult patients commencing radiotherapy and/or cytotoxic chemotherapy as outpatients at a regional cancer centre. Due to the long distances between their homes and the centre, six of the patients stayed in an oncology hostel during their treatment. A phenomenological research method was used to describe the lived experience of these participants. Data analysis involved the development of themes from thematic statements, and a description of the central phenomena. The central phenomena identified is the concept of "walking alongside" one's normal lifeworld. There is a strong theme in the lifeworld of lived time through "counting up, down or through" treatments and this provides a basic measurement of the "distance of the trip" of radiotherapy or cytotoxic chemotherapy treatment. Links to normality are sought by patients and are important if the patients are to return to their pre-treatment lifeworld. By improving health professionals understanding of the experience of having radiotherapy or chemotherapy, they will be better able to support patients through the experience of having these treatments. Patients stand to benefit from health professionals understanding the experience of patients commencing radiotherapy and/or cytotoxic chemotherapy and assisting patients through facilitating this trip.
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    Understanding the cancer-related distress and coping of men from provincial New Zealand : 'bullet proof' meets radical prostatectomy : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology at Massey University, Manawatū, New Zealand
    (Massey University, 2014) Heron-Speirs, Heather Adele
    Men suffer inequities regarding their health which may largely be attributed to masculine culture. The present study sought to better meet men's needs for psycho-oncological care by describing men's cancer-related distress and coping, and deriving from that knowledge suggestions for intervening more effectively to address their distress. The study used participant action research methodology. Twenty-one Pākehā and six Māori men from rural provinces of New Zealand with lower socio-economic statistics, were interviewed in depth about their cancer-related distress and coping using a semi-structured format. Interviews were recorded, transcribed, and thematically analysed, producing preliminary descriptions of distress, coping, and a distress processing metaphor. These were discussed with small teams drawn from the original participants for verification and adjustment. Suggestions for intervention consistent with the findings were also discussed with these men. The description of distress summarises a wide range of matters under superordinate themes of: distress featuring a lack of control; anxiety or despondency at anticipated or actual loss; 'black' feelings (degradation, anger, self-pity, guilt and regret); and empathic distress. It includes the reporting of 'no distress' and ambiguous reporting. Dynamics associated with each of these groupings is discussed, notably the association of traditional masculine norms with 'no distress' reporting and with more sources of distress, and the wide range of distress associated with sexual dysfunction as a side-effect of cancer treatment. The description of coping lists four widely used coping strengths, namely: a positive attitude; an active and practical orientation; rationality and control; and social support/helping others. Use of social support varied with ethnicity and allegiance to traditional masculine norms. The processing metaphor describes a trajectory of suddenly losing and then gradually regaining control, which is likened to being overwhelmed by a rogue wave while paddling at the beach. Common to both descriptions and highlighted by the metaphor is the significance of control, which is underpinned by information. Accordingly, a new paradigm regarding the provision of information as part of standard treatment pathways is suggested. This features relevant, timely, and accessible information orienting men to the disease, its treatment and side-effects, the medical system, and social services.
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    A qualitative study exploring factors impacting the therapeutic outcome and experiences of clients using a psycho-oncology service : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Doctorate of Clinical Psychology at Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
    (Massey University, 2013) Nixon, Colette Felicia Mary
    Current research shows that people coping with cancer benefit from psychological interventions. This qualitative study aimed to explore and identify factors which may affect the experiences and therapeutic outcomes of clients using the Massey University Psycho-Oncology Service (POS) in New Zealand as a case study. It is hoped that the current study will add to the limited psycho-oncology literature from New Zealand and also to the international knowledge base. The findings presented in this study arise from the thematic analysis of semistructured interviews with 24 participants who were recruited for the study. They included women with breast or gynaecological cancer and family/whānau clients who attended Massey’s Psycho-Oncology Service as well as psychologists of the Psycho- Oncology Service and people affected by cancer who were not clients of the Service. Four main themes were identified. These were Meaning of cancer – creating distress, Dealing with it – reducing distress, Experience of POS, and Being a psychooncologist. Factors that emerged which may impact the outcomes and experiences of clients using POS included client expectations, inclusion of family members in therapy, a strong therapeutic relationship and the personal connection that the POS psychologists expressed sharing with clients, their work and the team. This study was limited by low participant numbers. No clients came forward who were dissatisfied with the Service meaning that factors which may have negatively impacted outcomes could not be identified. Findings and implications are discussed.