Consideration of sense of coherence in a structured communication approach with stage IV lung cancer patients and their informal caregivers: a qualitative interview study

OBJECTIVE: Salutogenetic aspects are valuable for consideration in patient-centred care of advanced oncological diseases with a limited life expectancy. The Milestone Communication Approach (MCA), involving physician-nurse tandems, addresses specific challenges and needs over the disease trajectory of patients with stage IV lung cancer and their informal caregivers. This study aims to explore patients’ and informal caregivers’ salutogenetic experiences with the MCA concept. METHODS: This qualitative study used face-to-face semi-structured interviews with patients and informal caregivers. All generated data were audio-recorded, pseudonymised and transcribed verbatim. Data were structured using Qualitative Content Analysis. The material was coded deductively into themes related to the components of sense of coherence (Aaron Antonovsky) and emerging sub-themes. All data was managed and organised in MAXQDA. RESULTS: In 25 interviews, sense of coherence was referred to with all three components: “Comprehensibility” was supported by information conveyed suitably for the patients; “meaningfulness” was addressed as accepting the situation; and “manageability” led to advance care planning the patients were comfortable with. Patients and informal caregivers experienced the interprofessional tandem as an added value for patient care. CONCLUSIONS: Participants appreciate the MCA in its support for coping with a life-limiting disease. Considering salutogenetic aspects facilitates prognostic awareness and advance care planning. Nevertheless, individual needs of patients and informal caregivers require an individualised application of the MCA.