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Patient experiences at a high-risk pancreatic cancer clinic: A thematic analysis of focus groups

Gambin, Kristin F (2016) Patient experiences at a high-risk pancreatic cancer clinic: A thematic analysis of focus groups. Master's Thesis, University of Pittsburgh. (Unpublished)

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Abstract

Pancreatic cancer is a rare, occurring in less than 2% of the population, but high mortality disease with a survival rate of less than 6%. Approximately 5-10% of pancreatic cancer is due to a hereditary predisposition. A hereditary predisposition may be due to a pathogenic variant within a gene related to cancer syndromes, or some individuals may also be at risk due to having two or more first-degree relatives or three or more close family members who have been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, which is considered Familial Pancreatic Cancer. This study focuses on these individuals who are at an increased risk of developing pancreatic cancer and their caregivers. The goal of this study is to identify patients’ experiences at a high-risk pancreatic cancer center in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and their experiences of living with a family history of pancreatic cancer.
Participants of the larger Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma Gene Environment Risk (PAGER) Study and their caregivers were invited to attend one of two focus groups where they were able to provide their opinions and comments about the clinic and their feelings of living with an increased risk of pancreatic cancer.
Transcripts of the focus groups were analyzed by qualitative thematic analysis, which identified five major themes. The main themes identified were: 1. Attributes study participants noted about the clinic staff; 2. Barriers individuals faced to receiving care; 3. The fear participants described related to being at an increased risk to develop pancreatic cancer; 4. The family dynamics surrounding the increased risk for pancreatic cancer; and 5. Areas of improvement identified by participants for the clinic and pancreatic cancer research in general.
The results of this study identified overwhelming satisfaction with the UPMC High-Risk Pancreas Clinic and the care that is provided to the patients in the clinic. Public Health Significance: This study has public health significance because it has been shown that patients who are satisfied with their care experience better health outcomes.


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Details

Item Type: University of Pittsburgh ETD
Status: Unpublished
Creators/Authors:
CreatorsEmailPitt UsernameORCID
Gambin, Kristin Fkfg6@pitt.eduKFG6
ETD Committee:
TitleMemberEmail AddressPitt UsernameORCID
Committee ChairGrubs, Robinrgrubs@pitt.eduRGRUBS
Committee MemberTerry, Marthamaterry@pitt.eduMATERRY
Committee MemberBrand, Randall E.reb53@pitt.eduREB53
Committee MemberSolomon, Sheilassolomon@genedx.com
Date: 29 June 2016
Date Type: Publication
Defense Date: 19 April 2016
Approval Date: 29 June 2016
Submission Date: 30 March 2016
Access Restriction: No restriction; Release the ETD for access worldwide immediately.
Number of Pages: 85
Institution: University of Pittsburgh
Schools and Programs: School of Public Health > Human Genetics
Degree: MS - Master of Science
Thesis Type: Master's Thesis
Refereed: Yes
Uncontrolled Keywords: Pancreatic cancer focus groups thematic analysis high-risk cancer
Date Deposited: 29 Jun 2016 18:02
Last Modified: 15 Nov 2016 14:32
URI: http://d-scholarship.pitt.edu/id/eprint/27442

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