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abstract
Objective
There
is increased awareness of the issue of exceptional survival beyond
expectations among cancer patients with poor prognosis, and researchers
are starting to look closely at this phenomenon. In this study, we
explored the perceptions of these “exceptional patients” as to their
understanding and insight into their unusual experience.
Methods
We
used a qualitative approach consisting of in-depth, open-ended
interviews with exceptional patients in two locations, Texas and Israel,
from 2007 to 2014. The interviews were audio-recorded and qualitatively
analyzed, and gave rise to illness narratives entailing detailed
descriptions of patients experience over the course of their disease and
treatment. A qualitative content analysis focusing on contextual
meaning was utilized.
Results
Twenty-nine
patients participated in our study. The mean years since diagnosis was
9.55 years (range, 4–23 years). All patients had received conventional
treatment, including surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy. One
of the prevailing themes in these interviews was related to the
patient-doctor relationship. Most participants mentioned that the
support they received from one or more physicians was a crucial factor
for their exceptional survival.
Conclusion
The
significance of patient-doctor relationship in cancer survival requires
further research. This research is especially important as it adds to
the current trend of patient centered care and points to the added value
of relationship between health providers and patients. This
relationship, as perceived by these exceptional patients, can be a
factor that adds to improved survival in cancer care.
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