'Contention' in multiple myeloma : the impact on life and supportive care needs

This grounded theory research explores patients’ experiences and the supportive care implications of living with the incurable and progressive bone marrow cancer multiple myeloma. Patients (n=17), family members (n=11) and healthcare professionals (n=12) participated in the research. A total of 46 semi-structured and recorded interviews were undertaken and transcribed verbatim (three couples were interviewed twice n=6). Some participants were interviewed individually while others were interviewed as a couple or small family group. The methodology employed aimed to generate theory in an area of limited qualitative exploration and findings were determined through the procedures of theoretical sampling and constant comparative analysis. ‘Contention’ was the core category that emerged in the form of ‘struggle’ with close affiliation to other prominent interrelating concepts such as ‘battle’ or ‘fight’, ‘disruption’ and ‘disharmony’. The findings are described within four categories of ‘Ways of communication’, ‘Nature of the disease’, ‘Impact on life’ and ‘Supportive care needs’. This research provides insight of individuals’ life experiences living with a complex haematological ... (continues)