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Supportive Care in Cancer
Published in: Supportive Care in Cancer 3/2018

01-03-2018 | Original Article

Caregivers needing care: the unmet needs of the family caregivers of end-of-life cancer patients

Authors: Maryam Hashemi, Alireza Irajpour, Fariba Taleghani

Published in: Supportive Care in Cancer | Issue 3/2018

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Abstract

Purpose

Family caregivers play a significant role in the care of cancer patients, especially in their end of life. Identifying and meeting the needs of these caregivers is essential to improving their quality of patient care. This study was conducted to identify the unmet needs of the caregivers of end-of-life cancer patients.

Methods

A total of 18 semi-structured interviews were held with the family caregivers of end-of-life cancer patients using purposive sampling. The interviews were recorded, transcribed, and analyzed using qualitative content analysis.

Results

The analysis of the data led to the formation of three main categories, including social needs, cognitive needs, and psychological needs. The social needs category comprised of the subcategories of support for care, effective communication and financial support. The cognitive needs category comprised of educational support and support in decision-making. The psychological needs category comprised of support for psychological trauma, preparation to confront the reality of the death of a loved one, and support for mourning.

Conclusions

The family caregivers of end-of-life cancer patients take on the responsibility of many aspects of care for their patient, but many of their own needs remain unmet. The findings of this study can be used for healthcare policy planning and the development of palliative interventions, particularly for the family caregivers of end-of-life cancer patients.
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Metadata
Title
Caregivers needing care: the unmet needs of the family caregivers of end-of-life cancer patients
Authors
Maryam Hashemi
Alireza Irajpour
Fariba Taleghani
Publication date
01-03-2018
Publisher
Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in
Supportive Care in Cancer / Issue 3/2018
Print ISSN: 0941-4355
Electronic ISSN: 1433-7339
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00520-017-3886-2

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