ArticleBMC palliative care2023
Experiences of the older spousal caregivers of patients with cancer during palliative chemotherapy: a qualitative descriptive study.
Article in BMC palliative care, 2023. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 5 papers, 1 of them a synthesis that pooled it.
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Who cites it
5 citing papers in PubMed, 1 synthesis or guideline pooled it, 4 citations in OpenAlex.
- Healthcare Professionals' Perceptions of Decision-Making for Older Patients with Cancer Receiving Systemic Therapy: A Systematic Review and Qualitative Evidence Synthesis.Annals of geriatric medicine and research · 2026Pooled it
- Caregiving experiences of older spouses with frailty: an exploratory qualitative study.International journal of qualitative studies on health and well-being · 2026Article
- Lung Cancer Survivorship: Challenges and Care Needs.Cancers · 2026Review
- Navigating the emotional landscape: exploring caregivers' journey alongside breast cancer survivors with chronic pain.Supportive care in cancer : official journal of the Multinational Association of Supportive Care in Cancer · 2024Article
- End-of-life care needs in cancer patients: a qualitative study of patient and family experiences.BMC palliative care · 2024Article
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Authors and funding
3 authors at 2 institutions in 1 country.
Funding
Abstract
backgroundSeveral studies have characterized the experiences of family members caring for patients undergoing chemotherapy; however, information about the experiences of older spousal caregivers with intensive caregiving burdens is unclear. Recently, more older patients have been diagnosed with cancer due to the aging population worldwide. Therefore, this study evaluated the patterns in the experiences of older spousal caregivers of patients undergoing palliative chemotherapy for advanced cancer.
methodsQualitative research using semi-structured interviews was used in this study involving 10 older spousal caregivers of patients undergoing palliative chemotherapy at a hospital providing advanced cancer care in Japan. The data obtained were analyzed qualitatively and inductively using thematic analysis by Braun and Clarke.
resultsFour themes were identified from the narratives of the participants in this study. The first theme was "getting used to living with the disease," indicating that the older spouses gradually became accustomed to living with the patient through continued caregiving. The second theme was "deepening view of life and death," indicating that the older spouses' views of life and death were deepened by being confronted with patients' quality of life until death. The third theme was "anxious about the future," indicating the fear regarding the patient's progressive diseases and anxiety pertaining to continuing care for the patient while dealing with their health problems. The final theme was "desire for a better rest of life," indicating that the couple felt their bond was strengthened through caregiving and wishes to live well for the rest of their lives.
conclusionsThe patterns in the experience of older spousal caregivers caring for patients undergoing palliative chemotherapy indicated an aspect of rebuilding their lives as they became accustomed to caregiving, while strengthening their marital bond. The caregiving process involved a mix of emotions, including anxiety about the spousal caregiver's health problems worsening. However, the caregivers recognized the value of their remaining time. Therefore, they had deep concern for the patient's comfort, concealing their feelings so that the patient would feel comfortable. This study can contribute to understanding the challenges faced and support needed by older spousal caregivers.
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