Experiences of and preferences for self-management among low grade non-Hodgkin's lymphoma survivors: A qualitative interview study

• Published in: European journal of oncology nursing : the official journal of European Oncology Nursing Society Vol. 66; p. 102378
• Main Authors: Pallin, Nickola D., O'Connor, Mairead, Gannon, Alannah, Browne, John, Cahill, Mary R., O'Shea, Derville
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Scotland Elsevier Ltd 01.10.2023
• Subjects: Cancer survivorship; Interview; Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma; Qualitative; Self-management; Self-management support; Self-management; Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma; Qualitative; Self-management support; Cancer survivorship; Interview
• ISSN: 1462-3889; 1532-2122
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ejon.2023.102378

Supporting self-management is one strategy to help cancer survivors optimise their quality of life. Low grade non-Hodgkin's lymphoma is often incurable with a chronic disease trajectory requiring lifelong self-management. This study explored the views on self-management and preferences for self-management support among survivors of low grade non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and their informal caregivers more than 6 months after completion of systemic anti-cancer therapy. In-depth semi-structured telephone interviews were conducted. Key themes and subthemes were determined using inductive and deductive thematic analysis. The sample included eight survivors of low grade non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and two family caregivers. There were four themes. 1) The chronic nature of low grade non-Hodgkin's lymphoma shapes perceptions of self-management; participants described their cancer as a chronic condition and self-management strategies reflected this. 2) Social networks enable self-management; participants emphasised the importance of making low grade non-Hodgkin's lymphoma survivors aware of social networks. 3) Support and monitoring are needed immediately after the initial treatment phase ends. 4) Preferred components of self-management support; this included regular review with monitoring, advice on diet, and strategies to manage the psychosocial consequences of low grade non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. Providing self-management support to those diagnosed with low grade non-Hodgkin's lymphoma is relevant given the chronic trajectory of the disease. Findings suggest that necessary components of a self-management support programme for those with low grade non-Hodgkin's lymphoma should include regular review with monitoring and practical support around facilitating engagement with social networks. •Self-management support is relevant given the chronic trajectory of low grade non-Hodgkin's Lymphoms (LGNHL)•This study is an in-depth qualitative study focusing on LGNHL survivors' self-management support needs.•Social support enables those diagnosed with LGNHL to self-manage.•Self-management support should include regular review with monitoring, and facilitate engagement with social networks.