Abstract CN68
Background
After sphincter-saving rectal cancer surgery, many patients experience bowel problems called low anterior resection syndrome (LARS). Especially major LARS (LARS-score ≥ 30) has a negative impact on patients’ quality of life. Our previous research has shown that these patients have several information and counselling needs towards healthcare professionals. Patients without LARS (LARS score 0-20) or with minor LARS (LARS-score 21-29) experience less bowel problems which has less impact on their quality of life. The aim of this study was to explore the dynamics in experiences, information and counselling needs of patients without or with minor LARS.
Methods
A qualitative study based on the principles of a grounded theory was conducted. Rectal cancer survivors without LARS or with minor LARS were purposefully recruited in three large hospitals. Patients with major LARS, patients who have had an abdominoperineal resection with permanent stoma and patients who do not speak Dutch were excluded. Semi-structured interviews were performed. The constant comparative method and investigators’ triangulation were used during data-analysis.
Results
Fourteen patients were interviewed of which six patients without LARS and seven with minor LARS according to the LARS-score. In the first months, all 14 patients experienced LARS which had an impact on their family or working life. However, these symptoms improved over time resulting in a controllable situation. Additionally, patients described that LARS became less dominant and other symptoms such as peripheral neuropathy due to neoadjuvant chemotherapy were perceived worse. Factors such as having previous bowel problems during treatment, comparing themselves to patients experiencing major LARS or feeling euphoria about avoiding a permanent stoma reinforced their coping strategy. The amount of information patients received beforehand varied. Patients who received a high information load experienced anxiety but stated that this information was necessary to be prepared.
Conclusions
The symptoms of patients without or with minor LARS were more controllable and became less dominant compared to major LARS. These insights are important to organize care for patients without or with minor LARS.
Clinical trial identification
BC-11853.
Editorial acknowledgement
Legal entity responsible for the study
The authors.
Funding
Has not received any funding.
Disclosure
All authors have declared no conflicts of interest.
Resources from the same session
CN75 - Validation of a symptom diary for outpatients with cancer receiving intravenous chemotherapy and/or targeted therapy
Presenter: José Koldenhof
Session: Poster session 25
Resources:
Abstract
CN86 - Advanced breast cancer care for nurses (ABC4Nurses): A mixed-methods evaluation of an online educational programme
Presenter: Sarah Sheehan
Session: Poster session 25
Resources:
Abstract
CN87 - An accreditation tool towards safe quality cancer nursing care
Presenter: Fernanda Conceição
Session: Poster session 25
Resources:
Abstract
CN88 - Handling cancer drugs: Inventory of the state of knowledge and educational opportunities in Sweden
Presenter: Anki Delin Eriksson
Session: Poster session 25
Resources:
Abstract
CN89 - In cancer care nursing, does the use of surface wipe sampling for hazardous drugs lead to a safer occupational environment, in an outpatient and inpatient oncology/haematology setting? An evidence translation proposal
Presenter: Audrey O'Halloran
Session: Poster session 25
Resources:
Abstract
CN90 - Managing the increasing capacity pressures in a nurse-led rural, satellite oncology unit in the era of immunotherapy
Presenter: SANDRA MURPHY
Session: Poster session 25
Resources:
Abstract
CN91 - Mentors' roles and responsibilities expected by nursing students in clinical training at the institute of oncology Ljubljana, Slovenia
Presenter: Miladinka Matković
Session: Poster session 25
Resources:
Abstract
CN92 - Nursing students’ attitude towards care of dying: A cross-sectional study in Italy
Presenter: Mayra Veronese
Session: Poster session 25
Resources:
Abstract
CN93 - Strategic patient collaboration, cancer theme Karolinska comprehensive cancer center (CCC)
Presenter: Ann-Britt Johansson
Session: Poster session 25
Resources:
Abstract
CN94 - The effect of a compassion fatigue resiliency program on oncology-hematology nurses' professional quality of life, stress levels and patients' care satisfaction: Nurse, patient and nurse manager’s perspectives
Presenter: Tugba Pehlivan Sarıbudak
Session: Poster session 25
Resources:
Abstract