Balancing a changed life situation: the lived experience from next of kin to persons with inoperable lung cancer.

The purpose of this study was to identify and describe the experiences of quality of life/life situation among those who were next of kin to persons with inoperable lung cancer. Data were collected in qualitative interviews, where 11 next of kin articulated their lived experiences, and were interpreted through interpretive phenomenology. Four themes were identified: changed life situation, experiences of uncertainty due to awareness of the ill person's changed health status, interpersonal relationships, and false hopes due to health care professionals' treatment. These four themes gave a structure presenting the essence: balancing a changed life situation. The findings of the study point out the importance of promoting support for the next of kin, because they are significantly affected by the changed life situation. There is a need to identify their needs and to support them.