Abstract
Purpose: Cancer recurrence requires patients to make many decisions regarding treatment and daily life, possibly causing decision fatigue. This study interpreted and understood the experience of decision fatigue among patients with cancer recurrence. Method: This research utilized a qualitative study approach with semi-structured interviews. Online interviews were conducted for 15 patients with recurrent cancer. Data were analyzed using content analysis. Results: Four analytic themes were extracted: decision fatigue related to treatment, decision fatigue in daily life, coping with decision fatigue, and expectations for healthcare providers to reduce decision fatigue. Conclusion: Cancer patients with recurrence experience decision fatigue, especially regarding treatment options and choices about exercise and nutrition. Managing this psychosocial burden is needed to empower patients for treatment and recovery. Healthcare providers must provide sufficient information with constant empathy during the care process.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Article number | 102778 |
| Journal | European Journal of Oncology Nursing |
| Volume | 74 |
| DOIs | |
| State | Published - Feb 2025 |
Bibliographical note
Publisher Copyright:© 2025 Elsevier Ltd
Keywords
- Cancer patient
- Decision fatigue
- Qualitative research
- Recurrence
