TIME IS NOW: A qualiTatIve, Multi-pErspectIval Study on the pheNomenon Of living With terminal cancer.’

Lucy Hayden

Dr. Lucy Hayden has been awarded a Postdoctoral Research Ireland’s Enterprise Partnership Scheme in partnership with Breakthrough Cancer Research. Lucy is working with research mentor Dr. Simon Dunne in the School of Psychology, Dublin City University on the study titled ‘TIME IS NOW: A qualiTatIve, Multi-pErspectIval Study on the pheNomenon Of living With terminal cancer.’

Annually, over 10,000 deaths that occur in Ireland are attributed to cancer, with a significant number of these following a terminal diagnosis. Living with terminal cancer is a complex and multidimensional phenomenon where, in addition to experiencing increased physical symptoms, patients may also experience significant emotional and existential distress as they come to terms with their advancing illness. Research has highlighted that how people live with terminal cancer needs further exploration to inform the supportive care that patients require.

Lucy’s research will examine the needs and experiences of patients to further understand the terminal cancer experience from diagnosis to end of life. This study will employ a qualitative approach to gain an in-depth understanding of the experiences and needs of terminal cancer patients from the perspectives of several stakeholders, including patients, caregivers, and healthcare professionals. Understanding these multiple perspectives will provide greater insights into the terminal cancer experience. The findings can inform caregivers, healthcare professionals, and intervention-developers of the needs of patients and thereby enhance the compassionate end of life care that they receive. The findings of this study may also be used to develop interventions within psycho-oncology and cancer care and to inform future healthcare policy in Ireland.

Quote:‘If you don’t have hope, where’s your future?’