Understanding the experience of the caregiver of a family member with incurable cancer

Abstract

This study aimed at understanding the experience of taking care of a family member who has incurable cancer. It consists of a study using a qualitative approach. Participants were five family caregivers of cancer patients with incurable disease, hospitalized in a center located in the interior of São Paulo. Data were collected in the period between October and January of 2009/2010, through interviews and the use of content analysis. The following categories were identified: Purpose of being a caregiver; Changes resulting from the role of caregiver; Environment of death; Feelings generated in the caregiver; and Support networks for the caregiver. The present study allowed greater understanding of the situation of family caregivers in their historical and sociocultural context, which is individual, relative and conditional. It was made clear that the family caregiver must be the healthcare team’s target of attention, including understanding the meaning attributed to the disease and palliative treatment for the care planning of the family unit in the final stage of life.

Descriptors: Oncologic Nursing; Hospice Care; Family Nursing.