Experiences of Family Caregivers of Cancer Patients Receiving Chemotherapy

Abstract

Background: Cancer is a disease which affects not only patients but also their families physically and emotionally. The purpose of this study was to determine the needs, challenges and ways of coping of caregivers of cancer patients. Materials and Methods: In the study, a phenomenological approach was used. Data were collected through semi-structured individual interviews. The study sample comprised 16 family members providing care for a cancer patient. Results: The study findings are grouped under four main themes: the impact of caregiving, masking feelings, experienced challenges and expectations, and coping. During the caregiving process, patient relatives are affected physiologically, psychologically and socially. It was determined that patient relatives hid their feelings and avoided talking about the disease for fear that they might upset the patient, and that they had difficulty in coping with the patient's reactions during the treatment process. Family members had difficulties arising from the health system, hospital conditions and treatment in addition to transportation and financial problems. Support is very important in coping, but it was determined that some of the relatives of patients did not receive adequate support. Patient relatives expect that health care professionals should provide them with more information about their patient's condition and the course of the disease that their patients should be dealt with by the physicians specialized in cancer, and that psychological support should be provided both for them and for their patient. Conclusions: During the caregiving process, family members are faced with many difficulties and they exhibit different coping behaviors which health care professionals should take into account.

Family Caregivers’ Involvement in Caring with Cancer and their Quality of Life

“…In Turkey, the family plays an important role in patient care. It is a tradition and considered an obligation to take care of a family member who is sick at home as well as during medical care (Hacioğlu et al, 2010;Sercekus et al, 2014). Firstly, this study revealed that QoL scores were lower among female than among male caregivers.…”

Development of a Family Nursing Model for Prevention of Cancer and Other Noncommunicable Diseases through an Appreciative Inquiry

“…Darunee Jongudomkarn 1 *, Colin Macduff 2 and organizations (Kostak et al, 2014;Sercekus et al, 2014;Taylor et al, 2013;Yaakup et al, 2014). Accordingly it is important to learn from initiatives taken forward in this field.…”

“…In addition, cancer is an important cause of illness and mortality in Thailand and around the world (Duangsong et al, 2013;WHO, 2010). Prevention, caring, and recovery efforts depend on various family-and community-based interventions, theories and for these to be successful a participatory approach is necessary (Ahmadian and Samah, 2013;Al-Azri et al, 2014;Danawala et al, 2014;Erbil and Bolukbas, 2014;Jo et al, 2014;Lin et al, 2014;Sano et al, 2014;Sercekus et al, 2014;Simayi et al, 2013). However, realizing nursing and health caring that emphasizes family as a key focus of care within the family and community context can be a significant challenge for healthcare educators, practitioners RESEARCH ARTICLE…”

Living and Coping With Cancer

“…It should be noted that cancer is a disease that affects not only patients but also their families emotionally. Sercekus et al 27 found that family members hide their feelings for fear that it might sadden the patient, avoiding talking about the disease and experiencing difficulty in coping with the patient's reactions such as anger, irritability, etc, arising during the treatment process. Family members need support more than usually appreciated by health care providers.…”