Faculty of Health Science, Aalesund University College, Aalesund, Norway.
J Clin Nurs. 2013 Mar;22(5-6):681-9. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2702.2012.04349.x. Epub 2012 Nov 2.
The aims of this study are to develop knowledge about (1) the experiences of next of kin in caring for seriously ill patients with cancer and (2) the effects of strain and support on the next of kin's ability to cope.
Better treatment has resulted in patients with cancer normally living longer. Because this treatment is typically administered in a polyclinic or at home, next of kin inherit the largely unknown and demanding role of caregiver.
A qualitative, descriptive and interpretive design.
Focus group interviews were used. The sample comprised 16 adults who were the next of kin of patients with cancer. A thematic content analysis was performed, the text coded for meaning units, condensed and interpreted based on the understanding of the next of kin's role and ability to handle the situation.
The role of next of kin is multifaceted and challenging. It is important for next of kin to be near and to take care of the sick. Next of kin's acceptance of the situation plays a crucial role in their ability to cope and to look forward. The unpredictability of the situation adds stress and affects the daily routines.
Providing next of kin with knowledge, support and guidance is important in helping them to understand and cope with the situation and to reduce the amount of strain that they experience in the caregiving role.
This study emphasises the importance of health workers in possessing the knowledge and competence required to educate, guide and support the next of kin of those with cancer. Health workers should provide care to next of kin, and a support system for next of kin must also be available.
本研究旨在了解：（1）照顾患有癌症的重病患者的亲属的经验，以及（2）压力和支持对亲属应对能力的影响。
更好的治疗导致癌症患者的寿命通常更长。由于这种治疗通常在综合诊所或家中进行，因此亲属承担了一个很大程度上未知且要求很高的照顾者角色。
定性、描述性和解释性设计。
使用焦点小组访谈。样本包括 16 名成年人，他们是癌症患者的亲属。进行了主题内容分析，对文本进行了编码以获取意义单位，根据亲属角色和处理情况的能力进行了浓缩和解释。
亲属的角色是多方面的，具有挑战性。亲属在附近并照顾病人很重要。亲属对情况的接受程度对他们应对和展望未来的能力起着至关重要的作用。情况的不可预测性增加了压力，并影响了日常生活。
为亲属提供知识、支持和指导对于帮助他们理解和应对情况以及减轻他们在照顾角色中所经历的压力非常重要。
本研究强调了卫生工作者具备教育、指导和支持癌症患者亲属所需的知识和能力的重要性。卫生工作者应该为亲属提供护理，并且必须为亲属提供支持系统。
