Patients with operable oesophageal cancer: their experience of information-giving in a regional thoracic unit

A qualitative descriptive study was developed to gain an insight into the experiences of patients with operable cancer of the oesophagus and the information they received. Through semistructured interviews, participants related details about different aspects of information-giving. Key sources of information were the consultant surgeon and other patients. Nurses, other medical staff, physiotherapists and dieticians were then mentioned. Family/friends were poor sources. Positive and negative aspects of the verbal and written information given were described, but there was minimal support for audiovisual information. Participants were given information relating to a number of key areas: treatment details, side-effects, extent of their disease, cure and prognosis and return to normality. A number of problem areas were identified. The findings indicate a need for a thoracic nurse specialist, updating of the information booklet and development of a staff education programme.