Social support and adaptation of cancer patients who received receiving service at the National Cancer Institute: The case study research

Abstract

This case study research aimed to examine social support and adaptation of patients with cancer. Data were collected by in-depth interviews with five cancer patients and each of their five primary caregivers at an in-patient unit of the National Cancer Institute. Data were analyzed using content analysis. The results indicated that cancer patients received five different types of social support--1) emotional support through love, care and encouragement; 2) gaining acceptance through recognition, respect, and self-esteem; 3) social networking from social activities with other patients; 4) informational support through the provision of cancer and self-care knowledge by doctors and nurses, and; 5) service and instrumental support to obtain government transportation and treatment fees. The patients exhibited 4 adaptation characteristics--1) physical adaptation, when they adjusted their eating patterns to suit the cancer treatment process; 2) psychological adaptation, when they accepted their own illness and had a positive view of the world; 3) role function adaptation, when they allocated time for work according to their physical capacity; and, 4) interdependence adaptation, when they had relationships with other patients, relatives, and healthcare professionals. Therefore, nurses and the healthcare team should provide social support for cancer patients, to enhance their adaptation and their ability to cope with their cancer more effectively. (Thai Cancer J 2020;40:62-75)