Exploring Patient Experiences: A Qualitative Analysis of Follow-up Radiology in Cutaneous Melanoma

Background/Objectives: Diagnostic examinations that cutaneous melanoma (CM) patients undergo during follow-up can generate various emotional states related to the possibility of recurrence or disease progression. Understanding the emotions and perceptions of patients during the wait for diagnostic exams is crucial for improving care. This study aims to explore the experiences of CM patients awaiting follow-up diagnostic investigations. Methods: This is a qualitative descriptive inductive, single-center study, structured according to COREQ criteria. The sample of CM patients was recruited at the UOSD of Radiology and Diagnostic Imaging ISG of the IFO in Rome. Data was collected through semi-structured interviews and analyzed using Framework Analysis, as described by Ritchie and Spencer. Results: A total of 30 patients with an average age of 57.4 were recruited. The interviews revealed the following four themes: waiting influences the emotional experience; the double face of family support; strategies of support during the waiting period; waiting requires attention to the person and the environment. Conclusions: Healthcare professionals need to recognize and address patients' emotional dynamics to improve care. Training healthcare staff, psychological intervention, and technological innovation can improve the waiting experience, foster a more welcoming and reassuring environment, and enhance patients' psychological well-being and satisfaction with care pathways.