The Experiences of Family Caregivers After Losing a Patient with Advanced Cancer: A Qualitative Study

Abstract

Background: In patients with advanced cancer, family caregivers are crucial in providing care throughout the illness, particularly towards the end of life. These caregivers often face unique challenges and emotions that may differ significantly from those experienced by other family members following the patient’s death. Objectives: The purpose of this study was to explore the experiences of family caregivers following the loss of a patient with advanced cancer. Methods: A qualitative study was conducted in Iran from June 2023 to January 2024 to explore the experiences of family caregivers after the death of a patient with advanced cancer. Using purposive sampling, face-to-face, in-depth semi-structured interviews were carried out with 14 Iranian family caregivers of cancer patients. The interviews were subjected to conventional content analysis for thematic extraction. To ensure the trustworthiness and rigor of the study, Lincoln and Guba's criteria were applied. Results: Data analysis and abstraction resulted in the formation of three main categories with eight sub-categories. The categories extracted from the caregivers' experiences were: Caregiver's inconsolable mourning, Unforgettable experience of caring for loved ones, and Constant mind involvements. Conclusions: The different experiences of family caregivers after the death of a patient and the more intense emotions they experience indicate that caregivers require additional attention and support following the loss. Consequently, health systems should identify these individuals during the patient care process and provide targeted support after the patient's death.