A Qualitative Study of the Experiences of Living With Multiple Myeloma.

Journal Article (Journal Article)

PURPOSE: To explore the ways in which multiple myeloma affects an individual's life in the modern treatment era. PARTICIPANTS & SETTING: 15 individuals with multiple myeloma and 10 clinicians were recruited from two academic medical centers in the southeastern United States. METHODOLOGIC APPROACH: Semistructured interviews were conducted with individuals with multiple myeloma and clinicians to explore the effect of a multiple myeloma diagnosis and treatment on individuals' lives. Transcribed interviews were analyzed using conventional content analysis. FINDINGS: The following four themes emerged from the analysis. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING: The treatment journey for those with multiple myeloma can be lifelong and may require frequent visits to an oncologist and, potentially, many successive lines of therapy. Life effects are far-reaching and long-term. Nurses should be aware of the interprofessional resources to help meet these individuals' needs. With thorough assessment, care planning, and education, nurses can play a key role in mitigating the negative effects of multiple myeloma and its treatment.

Full Text

Duke Authors

Cited Authors

  • LeBlanc, MR; LeBlanc, TW; Leak Bryant, A; Pollak, KI; Bailey, DE; Smith, SK

Published Date

  • March 1, 2021

Published In

Volume / Issue

  • 48 / 2

Start / End Page

  • 151 - 160

PubMed ID

  • 33600390

Pubmed Central ID

  • PMC8114830

Electronic International Standard Serial Number (EISSN)

  • 1538-0688

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

  • 10.1188/21.ONF.151-160

Language

  • eng

Conference Location

  • United States