The pervasive nature of uncertainty-a qualitative study of patients with advanced cancer and their informal caregivers.

ABSTRACT:

Purpose

The aim of this study was to explore the impact of extended cancer survival on broader aspects of life and wellbeing such as occupational, financial and family life for patients with advanced cancer and their nominated informal caregivers.

Methods

In-depth qualitative interviews were transcribed verbatim. A thematic framework was developed from an initial process of open coding and tested iteratively as new data were collected.

Results

Twenty-four patient-caregiver dyads with advanced ovarian (9), melanoma (9) or lung cancer (6). Patients were aged 39-84 (median 62 years) and caregivers 19-85 (median 54 years). Caregivers were the partners/spouses (15), children (5), siblings (2) and friends (2) of patients. One particular theme, 'uncertainty', encompassed man

SUBMITTER: Shilling V 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5602354 | biostudies-literature | 2017 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature