Caring With a View Towards Others… A Study of Family Members of Patients Undergoing Cancer Chemotherapy

Abstract

The objectives of this qualitative study were to describe the family's feelings and reactions towards relatives undergoing cancer chemotherapy, to identify the family's expectations when accompanying the patient, and to discuss the possibilities for nurses to work with family members. The information-gathering process included simple observation and semi-structured interviews with family members of ten patients undergoing cancer chemotherapy. We conclude that the family's experience is permeated with difficult moments and that both the cancer and its treatment involve not only the patient, but also the entire family group, consistently showing its willingness to help the patient deal with the disease. Thus, assistance by the nurse and multidisciplinary team is essential to provide support for patients and family members in order to improve their quality of life.