Wellbeing in Oncology Services: Factors influencing Healthcare Professionals and exploring wellbeing in Meningioma Patients

This thesis portfolio comprises three parts:Part One: Systematic Literature ReviewThe Systematic Literature Review explored risk and protective factors affecting staff wellbeing in paediatric oncology. Following a systematic search of five databases, 14 studies were identified as meeting the inclusion criteria. The Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool (MMAT) was used to assess the quality of the included studies. Mixed Methods Research Synthesis was used to analyse research from qualitative, quantitative and mixed methodologies using Narrative Synthesis to identify positive and negative factors influencing paediatric oncology staff wellbeing. Findings revealed two key influences on wellbeing: ‘organisational factors’ and ‘the demands of caring for children with cancer’. Further subthemes related to emotional, relational, organisational, and educational challenges however, an emphasis on negative factors was noted within the literature alongside cultural differences in findings.Part Two: Empirical Research PaperThe empirical research paper explored the wellbeing of individuals living with a Meningioma diagnosis. Using a mixed methods approach, 14 participants completed semi-structured interviews and a questionnaire (the FACT-Br). Thematic analysis was performed on data from the interviews and descriptive statistics were gathered from the questionnaire. This data was then combined using the Framework Approach. Wellbeing in Meningioma patients was found to encompass emotional, social, and physical aspects. Whilst participants used coping strategies to address these domains, these strategies were often ineffective and invalidated their experiences. A central theme emerged: “Living the life I want to live,” which mediated the importance and interaction of various aspects of wellbeing. Recommendations for further research are presented, along with the implications for clinical practice.Part Three comprises the AppendicesThe appendices offer supplementary information for the systematic literature review and empirical research paper, including reflective and epistemological statements to examine the researcher's role.