| Learning Objective #1: Explain three major phenomenons that caregivers encounter while facing the recurrence of cancer in their family members | |||
| Learning Objective #2: Describe three ways nursing can intergrate the family caregiver into the plan of care |
The aims of this phenomenological study are to capture and understand the essence of what it is like being a caregiver of a cancer patient at the time of recurrence and progression as described by family caregivers. Cancer patients have longer survival patterns due to a host of treatment options rising from advanced technology. Family caregivers take care of the patient throughout the disease trajectory, yet little is known about this experience, specifically at the crucial phase of recurrence/progression. This is the point when hope is diminished and the possibility that cancer being terminal, may be a reality. Phenomenology is the framework that guided the researcher. This inductive, descriptive, qualitative study describes the unique subjective and objective experiences of caregivers based at a community cancer center. The sample includes 13 English-speaking family members or significant others age 34-75, seven females and six males. One-hour interviews were conducted utilizing a tape recorder and 13 open-ended probes to guide the phenomenon. FINDINGS: The overarching theme of caring and commitment was “Being at Hand”. This concept contains 3 major components: Process, Relationships, and Paradox that are interwoven throughout the caregiving experience. Several sub-categories emerged with process namely: Human Responses, The Work of Caregiving, Time, Hope, Being Beyond. Meaningful relationships included: Being with Self, Being with God, Being with the Patient, Being with Other Family; and Being with Health professionals. Paradoxes were evident throughout the caregiving experience, “In the Beginning”(of recurrence), “Now”, and “Ever Shall Be”(the future). This study expands the nursing role in the care of the family caregiver by bringing nurses to another level of awareness. It adds to nursings’ knowledge base and gives credence to the establishment of new assessments and interventions designed specifically for caregivers.
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