[Experiences of main caregivers helping patients suffering from lung cancer and position assigned to general practitioners]

Abstract

Introduction: Cancer turns into a chronic disease. Its impact on patient's daily life may require the assistance of caregiver.

Aims: To explore the experiences of main caregivers (MCs) helping patients suffering from lung cancer (LC), and to explore the role and the position assigned to general practitioners (GPs).

Method: Qualitative study using semi-directive interviews with 13 PCs, recruited in Roanne's hospital and the Cancer Institute Lucien-Neuwirth (Rhône-Alpes), conducted from February to May 2014.

Results: MCs' life was affected on a social, family, and professional level. Despite a need of listening and support, they remained behind, by devotion. GPs' were care managers, and were found out empathic, compassionate and reassuring. Present at the cancer announcement and viewed as an actor at the end of life, their functions were variable, following MCs during the treatment phase. During this phase, some of them perceived that lack of time, expertise and/or information seemed to be an obstacle to their solicitations.

Conclusion: GPs' regular care could improve MCs' quality of life. Telemedicine could facilitate communication between GPs and hospital staff asked by the MCs.

Keywords: Aidant principal; Cancer broncho-pulmonaire; General practitioner; Lung cancer; Médecin généraliste; Primary caregiver.