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Supportive Care in Cancer
Published in: Supportive Care in Cancer 2/2013

01-02-2013 | Original Article

Distressed family caregivers of lung cancer patients: an examination of psychosocial and practical challenges

Authors: Catherine E. Mosher, Heather A. Jaynes, Nasser Hanna, Jamie S. Ostroff

Published in: Supportive Care in Cancer | Issue 2/2013

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Abstract

Purpose

Lung cancer and its treatment impose many demands on family caregivers, which may increase their risk for distress. However, little research has documented aspects of the caregiving experience that are especially challenging for distressed caregivers of lung cancer patients. This study aimed to explore caregivers’ key challenges in coping with their family member’s lung cancer.

Methods

Single, semi-structured qualitative interviews were conducted with 21 distressed family caregivers of lung cancer patients.

Results

Caregivers described three key challenges in coping with their family member’s lung cancer. The most common challenge, identified by 38 % of caregivers, was a profound sense of uncertainty regarding the future as they attempted to understand the patient’s prognosis and potential for functional decline. Another key challenge, identified by 33 % of caregivers, involved time-consuming efforts to manage the patient’s emotional reactions to the illness. Other caregivers (14 %) characterized practical tasks, such as coordinating the patient’s medical care, as their greatest challenge.

Conclusions

Results suggest that clinical efforts are needed to assist distressed caregivers in providing practical and emotional support to the patient and attending to their own emotional needs.
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Metadata
Title
Distressed family caregivers of lung cancer patients: an examination of psychosocial and practical challenges
Authors
Catherine E. Mosher
Heather A. Jaynes
Nasser Hanna
Jamie S. Ostroff
Publication date
01-02-2013
Publisher
Springer-Verlag
Published in
Supportive Care in Cancer / Issue 2/2013
Print ISSN: 0941-4355
Electronic ISSN: 1433-7339
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00520-012-1532-6

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