Abstract

The purpose of this study was to clarify the characteristics and patterns of stress and the coping process of 12 spouses who experienced stressful events such as caring for their partners in the terminal stage of cancer at a palliative care unit. The focus was on the stress coping process as a result of situation recognition. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and then analyzed qualitatively and inductively.

As a result of this analysis, 6 categories were identified found in the expression of the characteristics and patterns of stress and the coping process of the spouses who face stressful situations：“the characteristics of the situation that forced them to become bitter”, “the reasons why they fell into that state of mind”, “the mechanism through which the spouses came to feel that they do the best for patients”, “the method by which they make an effort for patients”, “the reason for accepting the present situation”, and “the result after having accepted the present situation”. The results of this study showed that spouses who were caring for their partners in the terminal stage of cancer were experiencing a stressful situation that was symbolized by “the feeling of being forced into bitterness”. However, spouses were coping with such stressful situations by doing their best for the patients and by accepting the present situation. As a result, spouses could continue to do their best for the patients, feel the meaning of doing the best for patients, and regain their stability of mind and body.

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.

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to describe aspects of family life when a family caregiver who lives at home has terminal stage cancer. A convenience sample of human subjects informed participants, was six families with a member living at home in the terminal stage of cancer. Taped and transcribed interviews provided data, which was qualitatively analyzed. Results revealed two main themes. The first theme was ‘the experience of living with the patient’. The four categories were extracted: life became controlled by the patient’s state of the mind and body; family members developed a feeling of restriction in their life; family became conscious of limited life; life became unpredictable. The second theme, ‘creating family strategies of care for patient’ contained seven extracted categories: caring for own physical condition; creating a comfortable environment for the family; learning to cooperate as a family; getting the ‘knack of care-giving; receiving caring support from neighbors while creating family strength through the perseverance of other families and living to the fullest with the patient in the time remaining. This analysis suggests that family life with a terminally ill family member is complex. Understanding both how families respond and that they have potential for strength and caring will assist nurses in supporting families’ care strategies for their terminally ill member at home.