Cancer patients’ family members’ experiences of the information and support provided by healthcare professionals

Objective: This qualitative study aimed to understand the experiences, information and support needs of family members of cancer patients, and their satisfaction with the services provided to them as a family member. Design: An inductive qualitative and critical realist approach to data collection and analysis was taken. Methods: Purposive sampling was used to identify family members of cancer patients. We conducted semi-structured interviews with 10 participants over email, enabling us to explore sensitive topics at a pace appropriate for each participant and gain rich sources of information. We analysed the data using an inductive thematic analysis. Results: Three superordinate themes were identified: information acquisition; seeking support; and family members’ experiences of cancer. Needs were high, and a complex relationship between information and support was apparent. Many participants felt dissatisfied with the support and information received as it was sometimes inconsistent, incorrect or vague; and some reported deterioration in their own health as a consequence. Online communities were reported as being very informative and supportive as the participants felt they could relate to the first-hand experience of the other members. Conclusion: Improving healthcare professionals’ awareness of the type of information and support the family members need is vital for both family members and patients. There is a need for the development of educational and psychological interventions to assist family members in coping when a loved one is diagnosed with cancer, is undergoing or recovering from treatment or is receiving palliative care

Ethical decision-making in palliative care Artificial hydration for people who are terminally ill

Available from British Library Document Supply Centre- DSC:5815. 3675(240) / BLDSC - British Library Document Supply CentreSIGLEGBUnited Kingdo

What do we mean by palliative care? A discussion paper

SIGLEAvailable from British Library Document Supply Centre- DSC:2283. 95769(no 9) / BLDSC - British Library Document Supply CentreGBUnited Kingdo

Building on success Strategic agenda for 2001 to 2004; draft

SIGLEAvailable from British Library Document Supply Centre-DSC:m01/14697 / BLDSC - British Library Document Supply CentreGBUnited Kingdo

Education in palliative care

SIGLEAvailable from British Library Document Supply Centre- DSC:6218.56(NCHSPCS-OP--9) / BLDSC - British Library Document Supply CentreGBUnited Kingdo

Building on success Strategic agenda for 2001 to 2004

Available from British Library Document Supply Centre-DSC:m01/23890 / BLDSC - British Library Document Supply CentreSIGLEGBUnited Kingdo