Yang Yuli, Liang Xiaoyan, Liu Qian, Liu Jing
Ningxia Medical University General Hospital Oncology Department, Yinchuan, Ningxia, China.
Support Care Cancer. 2025 Feb 20;33(3):207. doi: 10.1007/s00520-025-09270-7.
Family members predominantly serve as the primary caregivers for cancer patients. However, the experiences of caregivers in regions lacking palliative care support have not been thoroughly investigated, particularly when elderly cancer patients enter the terminal phase. This study aims to explore the experiences of caregivers for elderly cancer patients in the terminal stage, focusing on areas with limited palliative care resources. This study aims to identify the suffering and desires of caregivers, providing a foundation for enhancing palliative care services in economically underdeveloped regions.
A qualitative study was conducted from March to October 2023. Face-to-face, in-depth, semi-structured interviews were employed to collect data from 13 Chinese family caregivers of elderly terminal cancer patients. Participants were recruited using purposive sampling. The interview data were analyzed using Colaizzi's seven-step analysis method. The study's rigor was ensured through the application of Lincoln and Guba's criteria.
The analysis of gathered data reveals a pernicious cycle wherein physical challenges and psychological distress exacerbate one another, further compounded by a dearth of support. This intricate interplay underscores the complex relationship between physical, psychological, and support-related needs.
The development and provision of respite services, enhancement of death education, improvement of physicians' communication skills regarding end-of-life information, and establishment of supportive home care plans are deemed necessary. It is recommended that local governments refine the palliative care system, ensuring seamless integration of palliative care from top-tier hospitals to communities and homes. These measures aim to meet caregivers' expectations while assisting them in overcoming their challenges. The findings herein not only contribute to the improvement of local palliative care services but also offer valuable insights for the enhancement of global palliative care provision.
家庭成员主要担任癌症患者的主要照顾者。然而，在缺乏姑息治疗支持的地区，照顾者的经历尚未得到充分调查，尤其是当老年癌症患者进入终末期时。本研究旨在探讨资源有限地区老年癌症终末期患者照顾者的经历。本研究旨在确定照顾者的痛苦和愿望，为经济欠发达地区加强姑息治疗服务提供依据。
于2023年3月至10月进行了一项定性研究。采用面对面、深入、半结构化访谈从13名中国老年晚期癌症患者的家庭照顾者中收集数据。采用目的抽样法招募参与者。访谈数据采用Colaizzi七步分析法进行分析。通过应用林肯和古巴的标准确保了研究的严谨性。
对收集到的数据进行分析后发现了一个恶性循环，即身体挑战和心理困扰相互加剧，且因支持匮乏而进一步恶化。这种复杂的相互作用凸显了身体、心理和支持相关需求之间的复杂关系。
提供喘息服务、加强死亡教育、提高医生关于临终信息的沟通技巧以及制定支持性家庭护理计划被认为是必要的。建议地方政府完善姑息治疗体系，确保从顶级医院到社区和家庭的姑息治疗无缝衔接。这些措施旨在满足照顾者的期望，同时帮助他们克服困难。本研究结果不仅有助于改善当地的姑息治疗服务，也为加强全球姑息治疗提供了有价值的见解。
