Palliative care facilitates the preparedness of caregivers for thoracic cancer patients

Zomerdijk, N; Panozzo, S; Mileshkin, L; Yoong, J; Nowak, AK; Stockler, MR; Philip, J

Author(s): Zomerdijk, N; Panozzo, S; Mileshkin, L; Yoong, J; Nowak, AK; Stockler, MR; Philip, J;
Details: Publication Year 2022-11,Volume 31,Issue #6,Page e13716
Journal Title: European Journal of Cancer Care
Publication Type: Research article
Abstract: OBJECTIVE: Palliative care improves outcomes for patients with thoracic cancer; however, limited evidence exists for the benefits of this approach for caregivers. This study aimed to advance understanding of the experiences of palliative care described by bereaved caregivers. METHODS: Fifteen adult caregivers completed semi-structured interviews following prior participation in a randomised controlled trial of early referral to palliative care versus discretionary referral to palliative care. Interviews explored caregiver experiences of palliative care delivery. Interview transcripts were thematically analysed. RESULTS: Four related themes about the experiences of palliative care were identified, each of which required sufficient time between palliative care first contact and death: 'relationship building'; 'clear communication and information'; 'access to practical support'; and 'access to psychosocial support'. The core category underpinning these themes was palliative care facilitates caregiver preparedness. Caregivers noted that palliative care played a critical role in preparing them for the future and described a sense of practical and emotional 'relief' associated with the support services made available to them. CONCLUSION: Our findings emphasise that palliative care can have a positive impact on caregivers' preparedness for providing the care needed by thoracic cancer patients and that this can improve the experiences of both caregivers and patients.
Keywords: Adult; Humans; Caregivers/psychology; Palliative Care/psychology; *Hospice and Palliative Care Nursing; Communication; *Neoplasms; caregivers; palliative care; qualitative research; supportive care; thoracic cancer
Department(s): Palliative Care; Medical Oncology
PubMed ID: 36169179
Publisher's Version: https://doi.org/10.1111/ecc.13716
Open Access at Publisher's Site: https://doi.org/10.1111/ecc.13716
Terms of Use/Rights Notice: Refer to copyright notice on published article.

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