Understanding Family Caregiver Communication to Provide Family-Centered Cancer Care

Abstract

Objectives: To describe a family caregiver communication typology and demonstrate identifiable communication challenges among four caregiver types: Manager, Carrier, Partner, and Lone.

Data sources: Case studies based on interviews with oncology family caregivers.

Conclusion: Each caregiver type demonstrates unique communication challenges that can be identified. Recognition of a specific caregiver type will help nurses to adapt their own communication to provide tailored support.

Implications for nursing practice: Family-centered cancer care requires attention to the communication challenges faced by family caregivers. Understanding the challenges among four family caregiver communication types will enable nurses to better address caregiver burden and family conflict.

Keywords: communication; family caregiver; family caregiver types; family communication patterns.