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Transition to the new role of caregiving for families of patients with breast cancer: a qualitative descriptive exploratory study

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Abstract

Background

Families, especially in Eastern and Muslim countries, routinely accept the responsibility of caring for cancer patients. This study describes the transition to the new role of caregiving from the perspective of family caregivers in Iran as part of the current trend of recognizing the experiences of family members of breast cancer patients from different cultural perspectives.

Materials and methods

A descriptive exploratory qualitative research approach was used to investigate the experiences of family caregivers of patients with breast cancer in the transition to caregiving. The subjects were 23 family caregivers of breast cancer patients referred to cancer centers at Isfahan University hospitals who were selected by purposive sampling. Data was gathered through in-depth interviews. Interview transcripts were analyzed using conventional content analysis with an inductive approach.

Results

Data analysis identified the following categories: grasping a new situation without preparation, perceived inefficiency, infinite absence, and abandoned in the role. Caregivers believed that they were not prepared for their new circumstances and did not have the necessary competence and capabilities to meet the challenges of caregiving. They experienced negative consequences resulting from the difficult responsibility of caregiving. Moreover, they believed that they received limited support from relatives, health-care providers, and the community.

Conclusion

The transition to the new role of caregiving is affected by experiences specific to the conditions of the caretakers. When these conditions can be understood and identified, it is possible to provide detailed information for policymaking and planning for family-centered care.

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Acknowledgments

This paper was extracted from a Ph.D. thesis and was funded by the research department of Isfahan University of Medical Sciences. The authors would like to thank Isfahan University of Medical Sciences for supporting this research and the cancer patient caregivers who took part in the interviews for their time, patience, and friendly contributions to the study.

Conflict of interest

The authors declare that they have no competing of interest.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Student Research Center, Faculty of Nursing and Midwifery, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran

    Masoumeh Hashemi-Ghasemabadi

  2. Nursing and Midwifery Care Research Center, Faculty of Nursing and Midwifery, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran

    Fariba Taleghani & Shahnaz Kohan

  3. Medical Education Research Center, Department of Medical Education, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran

    Alireza Yousefy

  4. Department of Midwifery, Arak Branch, Islamic Azad University, Arak, Iran

    Masoumeh Hashemi-Ghasemabadi

Authors
  1. Masoumeh Hashemi-Ghasemabadi
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  2. Fariba Taleghani
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  3. Alireza Yousefy
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  4. Shahnaz Kohan
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Fariba Taleghani.

Appendix

Appendix

The interview guide

  1. 1.

    Describe your experience through a day of caring for the patient?

  2. 2.

    What are some of the good experiences of providing care?

  3. 3.

    What are some of the negative experiences you have faced?

  4. 4.

    What are the difficulties you face whilst providing care?

  5. 5.

    Describe your care giving role.

  6. 6.

    What does the care giving role mean to you and why is it important to you?

  7. 7.

    What motivates you to provide care?

  8. 8.

    How does this role affect your life?

  9. 9.

    How has this role affected your physical and mental health?

  10. 10.

    How do you take care of your own needs while taking care of the patient?

  11. 11.

    How do you deal with your own emotional issues?

  12. 12.

    What social support do you receive?

  13. 13.

    What other support do you think would be beneficial to you?

  14. 14.

    Is there anything else you feel is important to mention?

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Hashemi-Ghasemabadi, M., Taleghani, F., Yousefy, A. et al. Transition to the new role of caregiving for families of patients with breast cancer: a qualitative descriptive exploratory study. Support Care Cancer 24, 1269–1276 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00520-015-2906-3

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00520-015-2906-3

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