Individualized Care Perceptions of Patients Receiving Outpatient Chemotherapy: A Qualitative Study

Individualized Care Perceptions of Patients Receiving Outpatient Chemotherapy: A Qualitative Study

The purpose of this observational study is to learn how people receiving chemotherapy in a clinic without staying overnight (outpatient) feel about the care they receive. The study focuses on individualized care, which means nursing care that is tailored specifically to each person's unique needs, values, and lifestyle.

Background:

Cancer treatment often involves chemotherapy (medicine used to kill cancer cells). While these treatments help fight the disease, they can also cause side effects like nausea or tiredness, which affect daily life. Nurses play a key role in helping people manage these effects. This research aims to understand how "individualized care" helps participants feel valued and supported during their treatment journey.

The study aims to answer these key questions:

How do participants describe their experiences with nursing care?

What are the specific needs and expectations of these individuals for care that feels personal to them?

How does personalized care affect their ability to manage symptoms and follow their treatment plan?

Scope and Setting:

This study will take place at the Yalova Training and Research Hospital within the Outpatient Chemotherapy Unit. The research will be conducted between May 1, 2026, and April 1, 2027.

Method and Participants:

The researchers plan to interview 10 to 20 participants who are over 18 years old and receiving treatment at the clinic. The final number of participants will be decided when the researchers find that no new information or themes are being discovered in the interviews (a stage called "data saturation").

Participants will:

Take part in a private, one-on-one interview with a researcher.

Answer open-ended questions about their thoughts and feelings regarding their nursing care.

Allow the interview to be voice-recorded to ensure all information is captured accurately.

Spend approximately 30 to 45 minutes sharing their personal experiences.

Privacy and Ethics:

Participant privacy is a top priority. All personal information and voice recordings will be kept strictly confidential. In the final report, fake names (aliases) will be used so that no one can be identified. Participants can choose to leave the study at any time. The study follows international ethical rules to protect the rights of every participant.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Continuing treatment at the Outpatient Chemotherapy Unit of the relevant hospital.
• Voluntarily agreeing to participate in the study.
• Being over 18 years of age.
• Being proficient in Turkish.
• Exclusion Criteria:
• Not receiving ongoing treatment at the Outpatient Chemotherapy Unit of the relevant hospital.
• Declining to participate in the study voluntarily.
• Unwillingness to answer questions or lack of cooperation during the interview.