Disease experience of patients with acute radiodermatitis: a qualitative study

Objectives To understand the true feelings and disease experience of radiodermatitis patients and to provide reference for formulating accurate intervention and support strategies for this group. Methods A semi-structured interview was conducted by using an objective sampling with patients who received radiotherapy in the tertiary hospital in Shanxi province from October 2023 to January 2024. With the help of Nvivo software, Colaizzi's seven-step analysis and triangulation were used to analyze the Interview data and extract themes. Results The disease experience of patients with acute radiation dermatitis can be summarized into 4 themes:(1) Decreased quality of daily life: sleep quality decreased, living habits forced to change;(2) Negative psychological experience: anxiety, decreased self-efficacy;(3) Disease coping style: active response, negative avoidance;(4) Resource requirements: desire for phased access to disease information, desire for more cost-effective preventive medicines. Conclusions The disease experience of patients with acute radiation dermatitis has specific and diverse attributes. Nurses should pay attention to the status of patients and self-perceived burden, guide patients to establish correct disease cognition and improve self-efficacy so as to promote positive coping. Strengthen the support of family, hospital and society to meet the needs of patients effectively. Through scientific and effective intervention to improve the quality of life and reduce the incidence of adverse outcomes of patients.