Experiences of Family Caregivers in Taking Care of a Family Member with Recurrent Malignant Brain Tumor

Abstract

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to elucidate the experiences of family caregivers in taking care of a family member with recurrent malignant brain tumor, and to identify nursing support necessary for the family. Semi-structured interviews using open-ended questions were held with 10 participants taking care of hospitalized family members, with recurrent malignant brain tumor. Their answers were analyzed qualitatively.

As a result, the following nine typical experiences were identified: “awareness of death”, “dedication to care”, “fear of the development of neurological symptoms”, “consideration of the future”, “find a positive attitude even when exhausted”, “search for information”, “trust in medical professionals”, “belief in the reason for self-existence”, and “retention of hope”.

Through discussions, suggestions for nursing practice were extracted, including: 1) normalize the coexistence of ambivalent, complicated feelings, and provide support and approval; 2) encourage the family to express their fear of or surprise at the development of neurological symptoms, and clearly explain the causes to aid their acceptance; 3) acknowledge the family’s efforts, and provide them with information as well as advice and support that will help them resolve their concerns about the future; and 4) continue positive feedback to the family so that they can maintain a sense of challenge, share hope with the family, set mutually derived achievable goals to retain hope, and give support for such achievements.