Familial Interaction Patterns During the Palliative Phase of a Family Member Living With Cancer

Abstract

This study aimed to illuminate aspects of familial interactions when 1 member is in the palliative phase of his/her cancer course. An individual cancer diagnosis influences the entire family, often requiring daily life changes for all members. Current research has examined individual family member perspectives; family system nursing studies are warranted. Narrative family interviews were conducted on 13 families living with cancer. The interviews were transcribed and analyzed according to a hermeneutic method. Analyses revealed the following: Family interaction patterns were adjusted in response to changes in family life, which encompassed 3 different, but interrelated, patterns: (1) power dynamics in the family, (2) the “secret game” in the family, and (3) multifaceted closeness and distance in the family. It is crucial to adopt a family perspective during palliative care to meet each unique family's needs. Health care facilitators should be aware of the complex dynamics and challenges that these families encounter. This will help obtain a greater understanding of factors underlying effective palliative care.

The Coping and Support Needs of Incurable Cancer Patients

“…24 As in previous studies, one of the most important coping methods for the patients was continuing the daily routines. 3,9,[25][26] The patients identified the support of friends and family as a positive, empowering factor, which is in line with the findings of many previous studies. 9,12,25,[27][28] In this study patients estimated that their relationship with their family had become closer because of the illness and the support of their spouse or partner was similarly described as invaluable, as Koffman et al (2012) and Möllerberg at al.…”

“…In nursing, it is vital to bear in mind that patients remain part of their families and communities regardless of their illness. [1][2][3] The World Health Organization (WHO 2017) takes all these issues into account by defining palliative care as the active and holistic treatment of patients with an incurable or life-threatening illness and their loved ones. The objective of such treatment is not only to relieve symptoms but also to guarantee the best possible quality of life.…”

A Valuable but Demanding Time Family Life During Advanced Cancer in an Elderly Family Member

“…While this study was being planned, only two studies were found which had the specific objective of exploring experiences and needs in family relationships in cases of cancer in the palliative phase (Badr & Taylor, 2006;Gardner, 2008). When the study was being summarised, a further three studies had been added (Drabe et al, 2016;Fergus & Gray, 2009;Møllerberg et al, 2017). Because few studies were found with the specific objective of exploring experiences and needs in family relationships, studies with other objectives were also included (e.g.…”

“…To be together, live a normal life and have a positive attitude to the situation is important for patients and family members at the end of life (Foxwell & Scott, 2011;James et al, 2007;Molassiotis et al, 2011). Two studies connect family solidarity with the perception of being a family (Carlander et al, 2011;Møllerberg et al, 2017). Family solidarity is also linked to successful coping and a feeling of control over the situation (Carlander et al, 2011;Foxwell & Scott, 2011;Molassiotis et al, 2011).…”

“…A central theory of understanding about what happens in families in cases of illness is the systems theory . Few studies in the context of cancer in the palliative phase have had a family systems perspective (Mehta et al, 2009;Møllerberg, Sandgren, Swahnberg, & Benzein, 2017), which is why this perspective was chosen for this study. The family systems theory draws attention to relationships, interactions and reciprocity in families, between families and health and illness, and between families and other systems such as the health care system .…”