Family Members's Support for Postoperative Rehabilitation of Cancer Patients and Nursing Care for Family Members

Abstract

Abstract

This study aimed to identify behaviors in families supporting adult cancer patients in their rehabilitation following surgery, and nursing care for family members. We examined 8 family members of adult cancer patients who had been diagnosed with cancer and underwent surgery. Data was collected longitudinally using the participant-observation method and semi-structured interviews, and was analyzed qualitatively and inductively.

Supporting behaviors comprised 7 categories : (1) building a new life with the cancer survivor ; (2) facing the cancer together with the patient ; (3) supporting the patient's independence while maintaining concern about his/her condition ; (4) finding ways to coexist with cancer ; (5) allowing family members to maintain separate lifestyles ; (6) keeping the patient at some distance, and ; (7) leaving it to a patient's independence while concerning their condition. These categories and sub-categories were classified every subjects. As a result, subjects were divided into 2 groups. One group A was accounted for the majority of Categories 1-4, whereas another one B was accounted for the majority of categories 5-7.

Although family members displayed fears regarding cancer, they independently brought patient care. Supporting behaviors are with the intention of protecting a patient' life from the cancer illness, based on recognizing the role as a caregiver, and with the intention of sticking to her/his own life. We conclude that behaviors of group A focused more on patient care, while behaviors of group B focused more on lifestyle maintenance. Both types of behavior are present in the provision of support. This study indicates that nurses must choose methods matching family behaviors to allow family members to assist patient rehabilitation.