Purpose/objectives: To explore how young adult patients with cancer experience "being known" by their healthcare team.
Research approach: Qualitative, descriptive.
Setting: A university-affiliated hospital in Montreal, Quebec.
Participants: 13 patients with cancer aged 18-39 years.
Methodologic approach: Semistructured interviews were conducted and analyzed using thematic content analysis.
Findings: Living with cancer and being labeled as a young adult were described, and participants reported being known in relation to two themes.
Conclusions: Being known was highly valued and was experienced and expressed in a unique way for each individual. However, the process often occurred from simple interventions related to the healthcare provider or the setting itself.
Interpretation: Although no standardized tools can be used to facilitate being known, the current study sheds light on how being known may be achieved and can be helpful in meeting the needs of young adult patients with cancer.
Keywords: communication; culture of care; individualized care; oncology; young adult.