"Et lille indgreb?" Et kvalitetsudviklingsprojekt om laparoskopisk nefrektomi. A minor procedure?” Improving the quality of care for cancer patients

This article is based on a qualitative study, which uncovers experiences, problems and needs of cancer patients during their rehabilitation. The study depicts physical, psychological and social aspects of patients’ lives after they were diagnosed with kidney cancer and underwent a laparoscopic treatment. The study was conducted in 2005-2006 and is based on a purposive sample. Data derives from interviews and observations of six informants. Each informant was interviewed three times, i.e. twice at the hospital and once after the discharge. Observations focused on communications between the patient and health professionals at the hospital. The key finding of the study is that the patients experience a high degree of disorientation they did not expect when confronted with new physical and psychosocial problems upon their discharge. This article draws attention to the importance of informing patients and maintaining the contact between patients and health professionals during both the treatment period and after the discharge.