The reality of hospitalisation: stories from family members of their hospital experience for adolescents and young adults living with and dying from cancer.

Background: Adolescents and Young Adults (AYAs) with cancer are being disadvantaged within the present health care system. Some of the factors identified as leading to this disadvantage include medical issues specific to AYAs with cancer, delay in diagnosis, fragmented services, lack of access to clinical trials and psychosocial life stage issues.

Objective: A major study investigated the experience that accompanies the stages of diagnosis, treatment, dying and death of an AYA from the perspective of family members.

The reality of hospitalisation: Stories from family members of their hospital experience for adolescents and young adults living with and dying from cancer.

Abstract Background: Adolescents and Young Adults (AYA) with cancer are being disadvantaged within the present health care system. Some of the factors identified as leading to this disadvantage include medical issues specific to AYAs with cancer, delay in diagnosis, fragmented services, lack of access to clinical trials and psychosocial life stage issues Objective: A major study investigated the experience that accompanies the stages of diagnosis, treatment, dying and death of an AYA from the perspective of family members. This paper discusses the major theme of the reality of hospitalisation Methods: Narrative inquiry was the methodology for this study.