标题：A meta-analysis of qualitative studies on living with oesophageal and clinically similar forms of cancer, seen from the perspective of patients and family members
期刊名称：International Journal of Qualitative Studies on Health and Well-being
电子版ISSN：1748-2631
出版年度：2007
卷号：2
期号：2
页码：114-127
DOI：10.3402/qhw.v2i2.4952
语种：English
出版社：Taylor & Francis
摘要：This study is part of a research programme of which the aim is to generate knowledge about patients' and family members' experiences of living with oesophageal cancer from their perspective. The aim of the present study was to extend this knowledge by adding other forms of cancer: other upper gastrointestinal cancer, and head and neck cancer. These cancer forms have clinical similarities with oesophageal cancer and the survival rates are similar. This study is a qualitative metaanalysis that examines the results reported in 13 qualitative original research reports, published in peer-reviewed nursing journals between April 1998 and June 2006. We used thematic analysis. Three themes were formulated: "running into an unpredictable enemy", "enduring a fading body" and "entering social silence". Patients and family members gave voice to a suffering that involved the whole person. Our findings show that the whole person must be given care, and this care must include the whole family. Key words: Meta-analysis, illness experiences, upper gastrointestinal cancer, head and neck cancer, thematic analysis, patient and family perspective
