What I want to find out through talking to lone parents directly is what your experiences of being a cancer patient and a lone parent are. Prior research has shown that everyone has a different experience of the cancer journey, therefore, understanding your experience will provide an information rich source, that will be of help to other lone parents who may suffer from cancer in the future. I want not only to find out about the medical experience of being a lone parent with cancer but also your experiences of you when you get home and your dealing with life on a day to day basis. Gaining an insight into your everyday dealings, is where I feel, my research will be able to provide unique insights that have not be bought to the attention of services before now, so that future lone parents with cancer and even with the future of your cancer care, may be smoother and you encounter more informed people around you.
I felt that looking at supportive care was the aspect I wanted to focus on for my PhD, as it covers the entire cancer journey for various people and understanding when and what would be the most appropriate form of support provision for lone parents would help break down barriers created by lack of knowledge.
Furthermore, I wish to gauge lone parents opinions regarding their exisiting care and support they have been provided, both professionally and socially, as I feel understanding lone parents current experiences and feelings, will provide a greater understanding into where things are going right and where the gaps are that need to be filled.
From the findings of my interviews with lone parents, I hope that provision of support will be more patient focussed and tailored for lone parents, thereby trying to decrease any additional stress and suffering that may have been caused after your diagnosis. |
