Journal article
Family Caregivers' Challenges in Cancer Pain Management for Patients Receiving Palliative Care
American journal of hospice & palliative medicine, Vol.40(1), pp.43-51
01/01/2023
DOI: 10.1177/10499091221094564
PMCID: PMC10201988
PMID: 35503240
Abstract
Context Family caregivers (FCs) of cancer patients play a crucial role in managing their care partner's pain, but little research has examined FCs' specific challenges regarding the provision of pain management (PM) to cancer patients receiving palliative care. Objectives To determine the demographic and clinical characteristics of FCs who encounter challenges in PM and to elucidate the specific challenges that FCs face when managing pain for their care partner with cancer. Methods We conducted a secondary analysis of 40 interview transcripts of FCs who were caring for persons with cancer. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed using deductive thematic analysis. Results The three major identified challenges to PM for FCs of persons with cancer were: (1) communication and teamwork issues, (2) caregiver-related issues, and (3) patient-related issues. Communication and teamwork issues encompassed caregivers' receipt of inadequate information regarding PM, and inappropriate and ineffective communication from the healthcare team. Caregiver issues pertained to caregivers' fear and beliefs, concurrent responsibilities, and lack of pain-related knowledge and skills. Patient issues related to their own fear and beliefs, psychological and physiological well-being, adherence to medications, and reluctance to report pain. Conclusion Findings of this study have implications for future research and practice related to cancer PM in palliative care. Results suggest the need for FC training in PM as well as clear clinical practice guidelines and resources to help providers prepare, educate, and communicate with FCs regarding PM.
Details
- Title: Subtitle
- Family Caregivers' Challenges in Cancer Pain Management for Patients Receiving Palliative Care
- Creators
- Nai-Ching Chi - University of IowaLynn Nakad - University of IowaSoojeong Han - University of WashingtonKarla Washington - Washington University in St. LouisYuya Hagiwara - University of IowaCatherine Riffin - Weill Cornell MedicineDebra Parker Oliver - Washington University in St. LouisGeorge Demiris - University of Pennsylvania
- Resource Type
- Journal article
- Publication Details
- American journal of hospice & palliative medicine, Vol.40(1), pp.43-51
- DOI
- 10.1177/10499091221094564
- PMID
- 35503240
- PMCID
- PMC10201988
- NLM abbreviation
- Am J Hosp Palliat Care
- ISSN
- 1049-9091
- eISSN
- 1938-2715
- Publisher
- Sage
- Number of pages
- 9
- Grant note
- R21CA191165; NINR 2T32NR011147-06A1 / NCI R21; United States Department of Health & Human Services; National Institutes of Health (NIH) - USA; NIH National Cancer Institute (NCI) Woodrow W. Morris Gerontology Research Award Csomay Center for Gerontological Excellence, University of Iowa
- Language
- English
- Date published
- 01/01/2023
- Academic Unit
- Iowa Neuroscience Institute; Nursing; General Internal Medicine; Internal Medicine
- Record Identifier
- 9984359699102771
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