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Background: Patients with lung cancer suffer from physical, psychosocial and particularly emotional challenges. Twenty‐five percent of patients with lung cancer are offered surgery as a potential cure. Nevertheless, 40% of surgically treated patients will experience recurrence. Paradoxically, research shows a dominant narrative of operable lung cancer patients 'being lucky', which silences other narratives about suffering, worries and emotional challenges. Aim: To explore narratives about operable lung cancer, particularly emotional reactions to illness and suffering in these narratives. Methods: A qualitative design was applied. Six women and four men diagnosed with operable lung cancer were included from one university hospital in Denmark and interviewed 1 month after surgery using active interviews. The interviews were subject to dialogical narrative analysis. The theoretical foundation is social constructivism, with socio‐narratological inspiration. Findings: A typology of three emotional narratives emerged: 'staying cool', 'staying calm' and 'staying positive'. All three types of narrative are characterised by managing emotional reactions. Staying cool is characterised by not showing emotional reactions; staying calm narratives acknowledge emotional reactions, but that they need to be managed so that they do not burden relatives; and the last, staying positive, is characterised by managing emotional reactions in a positive direction. Together this typology of three emotional narratives revealed that operable lung cancer patients are under normative pressure from these socially preferred narratives of ideal emotional reactions to lung cancer. Conclusion: A typology of three emotional narratives were identified and can be called 'feeling rules' that guide patients after lung cancer surgery to manage their emotions. Consequently, if patients do not live up to these three emotional narratives of staying cool, calm and positive, they may be socially isolated and restricted from access to support. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims and Objectives: To gain insight into nursing in an enhanced recovery after surgery program for lung cancer, we explored its meaning for nurses in a thoracic surgery unit. Background: Since nurses play a key role in overcoming implementation barriers in enhanced recovery after surgery programs, successful implementation depends on their care approach during the surgery pathway. Design: Qualitative focus group study. Methods: A hermeneutic approach inspired by Gadamer guided the research. Sixteen thoracic surgery nurses participated in focus group interviews. Benner and Wrubel's primacy of caring theory enhanced understanding of the findings. COREQ guidelines were followed. Results: The thoracic surgery nurses compared the streamlined trajectory in the program to working in a factory. Shifting focus away from a dialogue‐based, situated care practice compromised their professional nursing identity. The program made combining scientific evidence with patients' lifeworld perspectives challenging. Although the nurses recognised that the physiological processes and positive outcomes promoted recovery, they felt each patient's life situation was not sufficiently considered. To meet the program's professional nursing responsibilities and provide comprehensive care, specialised thoracic nursing should continue after discharge to allow professional care while meaningfully engaging with the patient's situatedness and lifeworld. Conclusions: Primacy of caring risks being compromised if accelerated treatment is implemented uncritically. If care is based on the dominant rational justifications underpinning surgical nursing, living conditions and patient values might be overlooked, affecting how disease, illness and health are managed. Relevance to Clinical Practice: Our findings focus on obvious unintended consequences of enhanced recovery after surgery programs. To avoid dehumanising patients, surgical lung cancer programs must adopt a humanistic attitude in a caring practice guided by the moral art and ethics of care and responsibility. Public Contribution: To reminding us of what matters and helping us think differently, we discussed the results of the study with organisational stakeholders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Despite growing international attention, few interventions specifically target adolescents and young adults (AYAs) with cancer even though appropriate interventions may improve care delivery during cancer treatment. The study's purpose was to explore how AYAs with cancer experience an age-appropriate intervention when undergoing treatment in adult surgery clinics. Methods: Twenty AYAs with cancer, aged 18–29 years, from five surgery clinics at Copenhagen University Hospital Rigshospitalet participated in an intervention consisting of three main components: care provided by trained youth coordinator nurses (YCNs) to the greatest extent possible; a 1-hour one-on-one conversation with a YCN during hospitalization; and a postdischarge phone call. Semistructured interviews were used to collect data, which were analyzed in a stepwise process based on inductive content analysis. Results: Three themes were identified: a beacon in the dark; from patient to person; and the caring check-up. Participants felt safe and experienced a sense of presence and a caring environment in a significant and trusting relationship with YCNs, which encouraged them to share thoughts, feelings, and needs they previously had kept silent about. The one-on-one conversations helped them begin reflecting and in emotional processing and the postdischarge phone call was perceived as a caring check-up. Conclusions: The study shows how an age-appropriate intervention was experienced overall as meaningful for the participants hospitalized in adult surgery clinics, but more research is required to further examine the significance and effect of interventions that target AYAs with cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Research on COVID‐19 has reported data on epidemiology and pathophysiology but less about what it means to be a person living through this illness. Research involving the patients' perspectives may help to improve healthcare professionals' understanding of ways to support patients. Aims: To gain in‐depth understanding of the meaning of a COVID‐19 illness trajectory from the patients' perspective. Methods: Fifteen participants who had undergone an illness trajectory due to confirmed COVID‐19 infection participated in individual qualitative interviews. Data collection, analysis and interpretation were inspired by Ricoeur's philosophy and Merleau‐Ponty's phenomenology of perception and embodiment has been applied as a theoretical frame. Findings: Being infected with coronavirus is expressed as an experience in which the participants oscillate between relief, security, imprisonment and raw fear. A predominant focus on the physical dimensions of the diseased body was found in the encounters between patient and healthcare system, and distance may furthermore be a consequence of use of protective equipment. Stigma and fear of infection were also expressed. After COVID‐19, an overwhelming feeling of a door opening to freedom is perceived. However, the body is marked, and bears witness to decay from this insidious and frightening virus. The responsibility for assessing their bodily symptoms is placed with the individual patients themselves, who feel lonely and fearful and this keeps them indoors. Conclusions: During a COVID‐19 illness, trajectory concerns about the unknown course of this disease are highlighted. Isolation is confrontational; however, a companionship between patients might emerge. The study shed light on an unavoidable gap between the patients and healthcare professionals due to the use protective equipment. After COVID‐19, the body is labelled as something others fear and become a symbol of awe and alienation for others. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims Survivors of out-of-hospital sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) may suffer from long-term cognitive, psychological, or physical post-arrest consequences impacting and disrupting daily life. To adjust to and manage daily life is critical, and therefore a tailored rehabiliation programme was introduced to the participants. The study aimed to explore the lived experience among cardiac arrest survivors. Methods and results Data were gathered through six focus group interviews during a cardiac arrest rehabilitation programme. Thirty-three out-of-hospital SCA survivors (8 women and 25 men) participated. Time since cardiac arrest was on average 12–57 months. An exploratory qualitative design inspired by Ricoeur's phenomenological hermeneutics was applied. Two main themes emerged from the analysis and interpretation: (i) a lack of support from the health system in the transition from hospital to daily life; and (ii) feeling understood for the first time. The findings revealed that out-of-hospital SCA survivors experience a knowledge gap struggling for support. Attending the programme, gaining knowledge and experiencing peer support was described as a revelation for them. Conclusion The findings suggest that out-of-hospital SCA survivors felt understood for the first time when attending a cardiac arrest rehabilitation programme. A post-arrest pathway is needed led by a coordinating cardiac arrest specialist nursing service together with allied healthcare professionals. Focus on hypoxic brain injuries, emotional burdens, and supportive strategies are essential in the transition to daily life. Facilitated peer support is warranted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to explore the lived experiences of people infected with the coronavirus in Denmark during the first phase of the pandemic. An explorative qualitative design underpinned by a phenomenological hermeneutical approach was applied. Fifteen individuals with confirmed COVID-19 infection were included and interviewed individually by telephone. Analyses were inspired by Ricoeur's interpretation theory. The study illuminated how being diagnosed with COVID-19 was experienced not just a virus infecting the participants' biology; it was also a threat to their existence and bodily perception as well as an interference in ordinary social relationships. Beyond a supportive approach, the participants experienced being a special case where people around them acted with excitement and curiosity. Responsibility for existential and emotional care after COVID-19 has been placed with the individual ill person and within their ordinary social circle. We suggest follow-up and rehabilitation for people during and after COVID-19 to support recovery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Background: Extensive measures to reduce person-to-person transmission of COVID-19 are required to control the current outbreak. Special attention is directed at healthcare professionals as reducing the risk of infection in healthcare is essential. The purpose of this study was to explore healthcare professionals' experiences of awaiting a test result for a potential COVID-19 infection.Methods: Qualitative interviews with 15 healthcare professionals were performed, underpinned by a phenomenological hermeneutical analytical framework.Results: The participating healthcare professionals' experiences of awaiting a COVID-19 test result were found to be associated with a stoic and altruistic orientation towards their work. These healthcare professionals presented a strong professional identity overriding most concerns about their own health. The result of the coronavirus test was a decisive parameter for whether healthcare professionals could return to work. The healthcare professionals were aware that their family and friends were having a hard time knowing that the COVID-19 infection risk was part of their jobs. This concern did not, however, cause the healthcare professionals to falter in their belief that they were doing the right thing by focusing on their core area. The threat to own health ran through the minds of the healthcare professionals occasionally, which makes access to testing particularly important.Conclusion: The participating healthcare professionals had a strong professional identity. However, a discrepancy between an altruistic role as a healthcare professional and the expectations that come from the community was illuminated. A mental health coronavirus hotline for healthcare professionals is suggested. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to explore the lived experiences, perceptions, and considerations of individuals who declined participation in a randomized clinical trial involving exercise rehabilitation after surgery for lung cancer. An interpretive phenomenological approach was applied comprising interviews with 15 individuals who did not wish to participate in the trial. The findings shed light on a discrepancy between their freedom to act and make decisions and the limitations of having to act in a certain way. The participants found themselves in a gray area between a healthy life and a good life, as influenced by societal norms and taking responsibility for one's own health and rehabilitation. When including patients in rehabilitation after lung cancer, having insight into the underlying narrative on values and the good life, priorities in daily life, social context and the norms embedded in people's self-understanding is crucial. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims and objectives: To provide in‐depth insight into patients' lived experiences of participating in an education and counselling nutritional intervention after curative surgery for oesophageal cancer. Background: Surgery for oesophageal cancer carries a risk of malnutrition. The consequences of nutritional problems may lead to increased morbidity and mortality postoperatively and have consequences for convalescence, rehabilitation and quality of life. Design: Qualitative study based on a phenomenological approach. The theoretical framework was grounded in the philosophy of Merleau‐Ponty. Methods: Qualitative interviews were conducted with 10 patients who participated in an education and counselling nutritional intervention after surgery for oesophageal squamous‐cell carcinoma. Data were analysed according to the principles of Kvale and Brinkmann, and their three levels of interpretation were applied. Findings: The essence of experiencing the education and counselling nutritional intervention can be divided into three themes: embodied disorientation, living with increased attention to bodily functions and re‐embodying eating. Conclusions: Patients were living with increased attention to bodily functions and tried to find a balance between the task of eating and nutritional needs. Despite the embodied perceptions of alterations after oesophageal cancer surgery, the patients developed high levels of bodily awareness and skills in self‐management. This process was characterised by reconnecting to the body and re‐embodying eating. The intervention empowered the patients to regain some control of their own bodies in an effort to regain agency in their own lives. Relevance to clinical practice: There is a need for systematic long‐term follow‐up after surgery for oesophageal cancer regarding nutrition. The findings of this study can inform future supportive nutrition care service development aimed at supporting patients to learn to eat sufficiently after oesophageal resection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim This article described a research protocol for a study exploring the lived experiences of patients with operable lung cancer in daily life at 'Four Critical Moments' during the disease and treatment trajectory. Background Patients with lung cancer may experience complex problems during the disease and treatment trajectory, and studies conclude this population to be at higher risk in developing emotional distress than other cancer populations. It is required to explore the supportive needs of patients with lung cancer through the treatment trajectory. Design A longitudinal design with a method of multiple data collection. The study is performed at four time points 'Four Critical Moments'. Methods The study contained three samples. Sample I and sample II explored the expected four critical moments for patients with operable lung cancer within the first 4 months following diagnosis and surgery. Sample III explored the patients' participation and the feasibility of an exercise intervention targeting patients with operable lung cancer. For all three samples, interviews will be performed: (1) 5 days following diagnosis; (2) the day after surgery; (3) 7 weeks; and (4) 4 months following surgery. Data from questionnaires for all three samples will be collected at baseline and 4 months following surgery. Discussion The study will add new perspectives on the lived experiences of patients with lung cancer along the treatment trajectory based on empirical and theoretical findings for both the general lung cancer population and patients participating in an exercise intervention. This will provide a basis for optimizing and developing interventions for patients with lung cancer starting in the surgical context. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To explore the lived experiences and social benefits among patients with operable Non‐small‐cell lung cancer who participated in an exercise intervention. Methods: Eighteen patients enrolled in an exercise intervention at 2 weeks post‐surgery participated in qualitative interviews at three time points. A phenomenological hermeneutical approach comprised the epistemological stance inspired by Ricoeur's philosophy. Analysis and interpretation provided descriptions that captured the meaning of the patients' lived experiences. Results: The exercise intervention was significant in terms of the patients' social capital, and the patients experienced themselves as part of a community. Patients gained access to resources that derived from human interaction in the exercise group, and their illness and treatment became easier to manage when shared with others in the same situation. The intervention helped to create a community for patients after lung cancer surgery, and the patients experienced a feeling of belonging and equality with the other participants. Conclusion: The group‐based exercise intervention created opportunities for mutual understanding between patients, making illness and treatment easier to manage. The patients experienced support to reformulate their identity during the exercise intervention in their interaction with peers in the group. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]