“ I pretty much followed the law, and there weren't any decisions to make ”: A qualitative study of self‐advocacy experiences of men with cancer
Year: 2021
Type: article
Abstract: Current conceptualizations of patient self-advocacy focus on women with cancer, leaving knowledge of male self-advocacy deficient. The purpose of this study is to describe the key components of self-advocacy among men with cancer. Adult (≥18 years old) men with a history of invasive cancer were recruited from cancer clinics and registries. Trained researchers led individual semi-structured interviews regarding participants' challenges, how they overcame those challenges, and barriers and facilitators to their self-advocacy. All interviews were analyzed using descriptive content analysis methods and synthesized into major themes. These themes were refined after receiving feedback from key stakeholders. Participants (N = 28) reported three major self-advocacy themes: (i) managing through information and planning; (ii) finding the best team and falling in line; and (iii) strategic social connections. These themes are richly described with representative quotations for each theme and subtheme. Based on these findings, existing models of patient self-advocacy should be adjusted to encompass how men self-advocate. Clinicians should consider how gender may impact how and why patients with cancer self-advocate so that they can best support their patients in achieving patient-centered care.
Source: Nursing and Health Sciences
DOI: 10.1111/nhs.12909
Institution: University of Pittsburgh
Language: English
Topic: Cancer survivorship and care
Subfield: Oncology
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W3215395283