Aims: Lymphoma is the sixth most common cancer diagnosed worldwide and can require treatment regimens that impact long-term quality of life. The aim of this study was to explore and describe lymphoma survivors’ thoughts, perceptions and personal experience of the components of a nurse-led survivorship model of care intervention that provided support to lymphoma patients who had completed treatment. This sub-study provided qualitative semi-structured interview data which added depth to the quantitative findings from the randomised controlled trial.Â
Methods: An exploratory, qualitative descriptive study was undertaken using interviews from 10 participants who had transitioned post-treatment into the survivorship phase via a nurse-led lymphoma survivorship model of care intervention. The intervention included validated assessment measures, the delivery of a unique an individualised survivorship care plan and treatment summary and a tailored resource pack. It comprised three face-to-face appointments at 3, 6 and 9 months post-treatment completion.
Results: Thematic analysis revealed three major themes: reassurance and individualised care; information and support; and individual sense of empowerment. Participants described the reassurance they gained from having contact with a health professional post-treatment who individualised information and support. The survivorship care plan and treatment summary, developed for this study, was perceived by participants as very patient-centred and helpful. This enabled participants to take back control of their health and well-being and to rebuild self-confidence.
Conclusions: In this study, participants were appreciative of patient-centred follow-up care that addressed their concerns and supported them in the survivorship phase to get their life back on track. Nurse-led follow-up may offer a viable model of post-treatment survivorship care to lymphoma cancer survivors.