Hermeneutic phenomenological interpretations of patients with head and neck neoplasm experiences living with radiation-induced xerostomia: the price to pay?

摘要: Abstract Purpose Patients with head and neck neoplasms often experience a number of persistent treatment related symptoms including xerostomia. The impact xerostomia can be profound wearing on the patients, hence negatively influencing their quality life. purpose this study was to explore in-depth experiences patients living radiation-induced Methods sample This hermeneutic phenomenological inspired by Philosophy Paul Ricoeur. Research data were retrieved individual narratives from 15 diagnosed neoplasm that underwent radiotherapy. Interpretation proceeded through three phases: naive reading, structural analysis comprehensive understanding. Results Five themes consisting ten sub-themes emerged reflecting patients' lived experiences. " suffering body ", person's world being helpless against mind alone ". understanding disclosed new possibilities for being-in-the in relation Conclusion precedent consideration mainly as physical side-effect radiotherapy outweighed social psychological effects revealed study. These xerostomia's are inflicted an obvious reflection perceived findings call upon shift towards acknowledging severity need care these holistically.