%0 Journal Article
%T Resilience for family carers of advanced cancer patients¡ªhow can health care providers contribute? A qualitative interview study with carers
%A Anne Kari Knudsen
%A Anne-Tove Brenne
%A Gunn Grande
%A Hans Stifoss-Hanssen
%A Ingebrigt R£¿en
%A Kari Sand
%A Stein Kaasa
%J Palliative Medicine
%@ 1477-030X
%D 2018
%R 10.1177/0269216318777656
%X Caring for advanced cancer patients affects carers¡¯ psychological and physical health. Resilience has been defined as ¡°the process of adapting well in the face of adversity, trauma, tragedy, threats or even significant sources of threat.¡± The aim of this study was to explore factors promoting carer resilience, based on carers¡¯ experiences with and preferences for health care provider support. Qualitative, semi-structured, individual interviews with family carers of advanced cancer patients were performed until data saturation. The interviews were recorded, transcribed, and analyzed using systematic text condensation. Carers (n = 14) of advanced cancer patients, not receiving curative treatment, admitted to an integrated curative and palliative care cancer outpatient clinic or to a university hospital cancer clinic, were included. 14 carers of advanced cancer patients were included; 7 men, 7 women, and mean age of 59 years; 3 were bereaved; 12 were partners; 5 had young and teenage children. Four main resilience factors were identified: (1) being seen and known by health care providers¡ªa personal relation; (2) availability of palliative care; (3) information and communication about illness, prognosis, and death; and (4) facilitating a good carer¨Cpatient relation. Health care providers may enhance carers¡¯ resilience by a series of simple interventions. Education should address carers¡¯ support needs and resilience. Systematic assessment of carers¡¯ support needs is recommended. Further investigation is needed into how health care providers can help carers and patients communicate about death
%K Resilience
%K cancer
%K palliative care
%K family caregivers
%K support
%K preferences
%K needs assessment
%K interview
%U https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/0269216318777656