One day at a time: Improving the patient experience during and after intensive chemotherapy for younger and older AML patients

Few studies have focused on survivorship issues in AML patients that have successfully completed treatment, and no study examined age-related differences in survivorship. Therefore, our purpose was to explore the survivorship issues encountered by AML survivors, and explore if these survivorship issues are different for younger and older survivors. Lastly, we explored advice for future patients provided by younger and older AML survivors on how to survive the period of intensive chemotherapy (IC). We conducted a prospective qualitative study with 26 participants (14 younger (age 18-59), 12 older (age 60 or older)) who underwent IC. Data were analyzed using Grounded Theory. Both younger and older survivors reported persistent health issues and functional limitations; however, older participants were more satisfied with their post-treatment function and quality of life. Face-to-face communication, phase-specific information, step-by-step education, and home nursing care were important factors to cope with treatment. Provision of written educational material was highlighted by younger participants. Frequent travel to hospital and long waiting times were identified as undesirable. In conclusion, although we observed that many survivorship issues during and shortly after a diagnosis are similar among younger and older survivors, some issues differ by age, pointing out the need for customized approaches.