What are motives of family members who take responsibility in palliative cancer care?

Abstract

Background and aim. Some studies show that the family members willingly take great responsibility in palliative care. However, their motives for doing so have not been much explored and the aim of this study is to investigate that further. Method. Twenty family members of patients enrolled in palliative care were interviewed in depth. The interviews were taped, transcribed and analysed using a qualitative, hermeneutic method. Results. Love, attachment and outlook on life were the main reasons for shouldering responsibility. An increased consciousness about precious values deepened relations within the family and resulted in personal growth and constituted strong motivation. The process of responsibility was bi-directional with benefits as well as costs. The assumed responsibility brought with it the need to balance feelings about the impending death including such feelings as grief, fear and resignation with those associated with life. Examples of the latter were efforts to retain any remaining capacities within the dying person's body and mind, to hold onto daily routines and to maintain hope and dignity. An essential part of the responsibility was to preserve meaning and avoid the sense of meaninglessness. Discussion. The results contribute to an understanding of complex desires, feelings and needs and provide staff with knowledge when supporting families.