The bereavement experience following home-based family caregiving for persons with advanced cancer

Clin Nurs Res. 2003 May;12(2):127-44. doi: 10.1177/1054773803012002002.

Abstract

The purpose of this qualitative interpretive study was to explore the experience of bereavement following home-based family caregiving for persons with advanced cancer. The research question addressed by this research was: How do family caregivers of patients with advanced cancer perceive the effects of home-based caregiving on their bereavement? Fifteen caregivers were retrospectively interviewed twice after the death of their family member. Caregivers reported both positive (e.g., feelings of accomplishment, improved family relationships) and negative (e.g., haunting images, feelings of failure) outcomes that they attributed to having cared for their family member. Overall positive outcomes predominated and bereaved family members reported satisfaction with having provided care for their loved one who had died.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adaptation, Psychological
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Attitude to Health
  • Bereavement*
  • Caregivers / psychology*
  • Family / psychology*
  • Family Health
  • Female
  • Home Nursing / psychology*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Neoplasms / nursing
  • Neoplasms / psychology*
  • Nursing Methodology Research
  • Palliative Care / psychology*
  • Qualitative Research
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Self Efficacy
  • Surveys and Questionnaires