Table 1.

Semi-structured interview guide to gauge patient experiences and facilitating factors for positive cancer experiences.

Impact of Diagnosis

What were your thoughts when you first received your diagnosis of cancer? How did you cope in those early days following the diagnosis? Do you feel like you had enough support in those early days? Often, patients report that their families have a tough time dealing with their diagnoses, how did your family cope with your diagnosis? Has anyone in the family taken time off work to help care for you? Has that caused any financial strain?

Communication with Health Care Staff

In terms of communicating with health professionals (such as doctors and nurses), have you had any difficulties? How would you describe your relationship with these health professionals? Did you feel you were able to approach them with any concerns you had? Often patients may be under multiple specialists and doctors, including their GP, and there is sometimes a concern amongst patients that there isn’t sufficient communication between the different treating teams. Do you have any thoughts about this or have you experienced anything similar?

Decision-making

In terms of treatment—were you given choices? How did you decide on what treatment to have? Some people say that they sometimes have a brief moment where they consider not going through with treatment, has that ever been the case with you? Did you feel well-supported in your decision making process? For example, did your family have any input in the process?

Support

Did you notice any changes in the family dynamics since you received your diagnosis or commenced treatment? Have you been able to openly discuss with family and friends about your diagnosis or your experiences with treatment? Who have you sought support from? Have you received any formal counselling or been offered it?