Compreendendo a experiência do cuidador de um familiar com câncer fora de possibilidade de cura

Natália Fernandes Cruzeiro,Maria Helena Pinto,Adriana Pelegrini Dos Santos Pereira,Claudia Bernardi Cesarino

doi:10.5216/ree.v14i4.14171

Natália Fernandes Cruzeiro, Maria Helena Pinto + Show 2 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.5216/ree.v14i4.14171

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Abstract

This study aimed at understanding the experience of taking care of a family member who has incurable cancer. It consists of a study using a qualitative approach. Participants were five family caregivers of cancer patients with incurable disease, hospitalized in a center located in the interior of Sao Paulo. Data were collected in the period between October and January of 2009/2010, through interviews and the use of content analysis. The following categories were identified: Purpose of being a caregiver; Changes resulting from the role of caregiver; Environment of death; Feelings generated in the caregiver; and Support networks for the caregiver. The present study allowed greater understanding of the situation of family caregivers in their historical and sociocultural context, which is individual, relative and conditional. It was made clear that the family caregiver must be the healthcare team’s target of attention, including understanding the meaning attributed to the disease and palliative treatment for the care planning of the family unit in the final stage of life. Descriptors: Oncologic Nursing; Hospice Care; Family Nursing.

Highlights

This study aimed at understanding the experience of taking care of a family member who has incurable cancer
Con cinco cuidadores familiares de pacientes oncológicos terminales, internados en un Hospital del interior de São Paulo
Observou-se, como em outros estudos, que o papel de cuidador nem sempre é uma opção, eles são eleitos pela família ou pelo paciente e assumem a responsabilidade sem preparo, por obrigação, gratidão ou mesmo como uma missão; a prioridade na vida dos cuidadores passa a ser o doente; encontram conforto e conformidade na fé religiosa para o enfrentamento da situação, com a crença de que vão adquirir forças para viver o processo de morte do ente querido