Poster can be found in location 38.

Background: Despite advances in oncological treatments, patients with lung cancer continues to experience many co-occurring symptoms negatively affecting their quality of life. Several symptom clusters, mainly encompassing fatigue, depression, appetite loss, pain, dyspnea and cough, have been identified in this population (Karlsson et al., 2023), and they have more supportive care needs, worse physical functioning and more symptom distress compared to other major cancer sites (Sanders et al., 2010). Improved symptom management strategies are therefore vital to improve the level of symptom distress and quality of life (Sung et al., 2017). Health care professionals must provide more adequate support and interventions to meet the patients’ unmet needs and improve quality of care.  Objective: The aim of this study was to explore symptom cluster management process in patients with lung cancer, from time of diagnosis and during oncological treatment. Methods: By using a constructivist grounded theory approach (Charmaz, 2014), semi-structured individual interviews were conducted with 15 patients with lung cancer receiving curative oncological treatment. Data were analyzed by the constant comparative method for coding and category development. (Results, Conclusions and Implications for Practice are in progress, manuscript to be finalized and submitted in November -23) Results: The categories ‘Changing relationships and Coherence’, ‘Vulnerability’, ‘Hope and Determination’ describe the outcome of living with symptom clusters, ‘Acceptance, Normalization and Taking one day at a time’, ‘Reevaluating life and Setting limitations’ and ‘Support and Guidance’ focus on the symptom management strategies, and factors - The Body (physical), the Self (psychological) and the Situational (social interactions) - influencing the symptom cluster experience and management were identified. Conclusions: Patients are often left to their own device dealing with symptoms, feeling like many symptom are “normal” and not asking for support, or support is not being offered. Primarily, debilitating fatigue is affecting their everyday lives. Implications for practice: Timely and continuous symptom assessment and management including patient education is required. The professional knowledge amongst health care personnel and the patients’ own resources must be considered in further development of patient-centered care for this population.