Exploratory Study of Factors Affecting Continuity of Cancer Care: Iranian Women’s Perceptions

Background: Today, breast cancer is increasing in nearly all societies. Currently, cancers are the third leadingcause of death in Iran after cardiovascular diseases and accidents. Of the cancers, breast cancer is spreadingparticularly rapidly among Iranian women. Negative effects of discontinuation of care on patient survivalhave been well documented. Inhibiting or facilitating factors affecting continuity of care at different stagesof the patient care continuum should be identified. Materials and
Methods: The current study implementeda qualitative method that provided tools to examine factors in detail. This study was conducted on 22 women,undergoing surgery and chemotherapy after being diagnosed with breast cancer. Content analysis was thetechnique adopted.
Results: The effective factors in continuity of care from the patients’ perception, based on theparticipant statements, were classified into three categories of evaluation of symptoms, psychological reactions,and care triggers with several subcategories.
Conclusions: According to the outcomes of the current study, itcan be noted that, the patient experiences can be brought into use by health-care professionals and assist themin providing patient sand their families with adequate consulting services. It can also provide an opportunityfor making interventions tailored to the community culture, and closer adherence of patients to the prescribedtreatments.