Experiences of caregivers of patients with metastatic cancer: What can we learn from them to better support them?

PURPOSE: Family caregivers of cancer patients often face strains within their role and report various unmet needs. The aim of this qualitative study was to examine metastatic cancer caregivers' experiences within their role.

METHODS: A cross-sectional study using focus group interviews with caregivers of metastatic cancer patients (n = 17) recruited from an oncology hospital in Cyprus was conducted. Data were analysed following the content analysis approach with inductive coding for the development of themes.

RESULTS: Content analysis identified four categories of themes, which were further divided into sub-categories: difficulties in their role as caregivers, impact of cancer diagnosis on interpersonal relationships, support and strength resources and unmet needs. Findings replicated existing evidence regarding caregiving difficulties and unmet needs in caregivers with a different cultural background and provided further evidence for similarities and variations within caregiving experiences relating mostly to caregiver-patient relationships. Caregivers also highlighted coping and support resources that they effectively use for better adjustment to their role.

CONCLUSION: The identified variations in experiences in relation to participants' characteristics, in addition to the information about preferred by caregivers coping and support resources provide a direction for future efforts to develop interventions for this population.