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Palliative Medicine and Nursing

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Original Research Vol. 1, Issue 1 (2014)

Informal Family Caregivers of Dying Cancer Patients- What Kind of Support Do they Need?

Roni Gagin1, Shiri Shinan-Altman1,2, Adi Shilat1,3 and Gil Bar-Sela3,4*
Corresponding Author: Prof. Gil Bar-Sela
Received: Sep 22, 2014
Accepted: Oct 24, 2014
Published: Oct 28, 2014
Views: 12
DOI: 10.14437

Abstract

Studies have shown great physical and emotional vulnerability among informal family caregivers of dying cancer patients as a result of the demanding care they provide. However, many informal family caregivers find it difficult to locate appropriate treatment services to answer their physical and emotional needs. Thus, the aims of the current study were twofold: 1) to identify informal family caregivers’ needs in order to improve ways of intervening during the treatment and also after the death of their relative; 2) to examine the emotional implications of taking care of a dying family member by informal family caregivers. Based on a convenience sample, 48 informal family caregivers, 17 men and 31 women, aged 19-75 years participated. A semistructured questionnaire was used, containing background information on the caregiver and information on treating the patient, quality of the relationship with the sick relative, using formal support, and a hospital anxiety and depression scale questionnaire. Findings indicated that most of the informal family caregivers experienced good feelings about taking care of their dying relative since caring allowed them to feel that they were helping and supporting their relatives and caring for them gave them meaning as well. However, participants expressed relatively high levels of anxiety and depression. Furthermore, participants who received supportive services expressed lower levels of anxiety compared to those who did not receive supportive services. We concluded that the changing needs of informal family caregivers should be examined and structured follow-up programs prepared, to provide information and support according to the family caregiver’s changing emotional state.

 

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Prof. Gil Bar-Sela (2014), Informal Family Caregivers of Dying Cancer Patients- What Kind of Support Do they Need?. Palliat Med Nurs Open Access 1:103
Copyright: Copyright: © 2014 PMNOA. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, Version 3.0, which permits
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