Family Cohesiveness: A Dying Concern for the Coparent in Families With Parents With Advanced Cancer With Dependent Children: A Pilot Study.

BACKGROUND

Dying concerns are thoughts expressed by a person diagnosed with a terminal illness or by an individual coping with the impending death of a loved one. Little is known about the dying concerns of parents with advanced cancer (PWACs) with dependent children, and even less is known about the dying concerns of the coparent. Understanding the PWACs' dying concerns for the coparent can contribute to the overall health of the family when faced with the death of a loved one.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this pilot descriptive study was to explore the PWACs' perspective of their dying concerns for their coparent.

METHODS

Four PWACs were recruited from 2 oncology inpatient units from an urban community hospital within the same hospital system. Semistructured interviews were conducted, audio-recorded, and transcribed with 4 participants. Data analysis used directed content analysis.

RESULTS

Parents with advanced cancer expressed concern about the repercussions of advanced cancer on family cohesiveness. Three subthemes within this general structure were "My Weakest Link," "If I'm Not There, Where Do They Go?" and "Putting Up a Front."

CONCLUSIONS

Parents with advanced cancer have concerns beyond their role as a parent could make a difference in the overall health of the PWACs, but also the family unit. The PWACs' concerns are present but may be covered over by use of protective mechanisms to maintain family cohesiveness.

IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE

Understanding dying concerns may enhance nurse-initiated communications between family members and healthcare providers to improve psychological distress and enhance family functioning.