‘Back on Track’ – A mixed- method study on rehabilitation of young adult cancer survivors

Joint Event on 49^th World Congress on Advanced Nursing Research & 27^th International Conference on Clinical Pediatrics

June 10-11, 2019 Berlin, Germany

May Aasebo Hauken

University of Bergen, Norway

Scientific Tracks Abstracts: J Nurs Care

Abstract :

Background: There is a huge research gap in rehabilitation interventions for young adult cancer survivors (YACS) between 18-35 years.

Methods: Twenty YACS were enrolled in a rehabilitation program structured around three weeks of residential rehabilitation and one-week follow-up visits after three and six months. The program consisted of goal setting, physical activity, psychoeducation, individual follow-ups, peer support and a next of kin weekend. A longitudinal mixed-method approach with a convergent parallel design was adopted, collecting data simultaneously through questionnaires, physical testing and semi-structured interviews at four points, in addition to questionnaires at a one-year follow-up.

Results: The quantitative data showed significant goal â??achievement (p>.05), increased physical capacity (p<.05), HRQOL (p<.05) and participation (p< .001). The qualitative data elaborated that cancer rehabilitation was perceived as a process promoting coping and control, dependent on finding a balance, new insight and multidimensional follow-up. Fatigue continued to be a long-term problem.

Conclusion: The programâ??s structure and content seemed feasible, showing high compliance and improved outcomes. Mixed methods provided comprehensive knowledge of the important factors in rehabilitation of YACS.

Key words: Rehabilitation, young adult cancer survivors, mixed methods, quality of life.

Biography :

May Aasebø Hauken is an Associate Professor at Centre for Crisis Psychology, Faculty of Psychology, University of Bergen, Norway.

E-mail: may.hauken@uib.no