Sigrid Lerstad Thorsnes1, Kari Blindheim2, Hildfrid V Brataas3. 1. Faculty of Health Science, Aalesund University College, PO Box 1517, 6025 Aalesund, Norway. Electronic address: slt@hials.no. 2. Faculty of Health Science, Aalesund University College, PO Box 1517, 6025 Aalesund, Norway. Electronic address: kbl@hials.no. 3. Faculty of Health Science, Nord-Trøndelag University College, PO Box 2501, 7729 Steinkjer, Norway.
Abstract
PURPOSE: To gain more knowledge about the challenges facing the next of kin of cancer patients and how a cognitive-based course for these next of kin helps them handling the challenges they are facing. METHODS: Focus groups were used to explore the experiences, thoughts, and perceptions of the next of kin about specific challenges and their participation in the course. A thematic content analytical approach was used. RESULTS: Three focus groups were convened with each group consisting of 4-7 adults. A total of 9 women and 7 men, aged 32 to 78 years, were included in the sample. The following two main themes emerged in the results: Fighting three battles and From distance to acceptance. This study shows that the difficult situations next of kin experience require the next of kin to gain a new understanding of challenges, which involves a comprehensive learning process. CONCLUSION: The results suggest that a cognitively oriented course for the next of kin fill a need for help for them to learn and cope, but further research in this area is recommended.
PURPOSE: To gain more knowledge about the challenges facing the next of kin of cancerpatients and how a cognitive-based course for these next of kin helps them handling the challenges they are facing. METHODS: Focus groups were used to explore the experiences, thoughts, and perceptions of the next of kin about specific challenges and their participation in the course. A thematic content analytical approach was used. RESULTS: Three focus groups were convened with each group consisting of 4-7 adults. A total of 9 women and 7 men, aged 32 to 78 years, were included in the sample. The following two main themes emerged in the results: Fighting three battles and From distance to acceptance. This study shows that the difficult situations next of kin experience require the next of kin to gain a new understanding of challenges, which involves a comprehensive learning process. CONCLUSION: The results suggest that a cognitively oriented course for the next of kin fill a need for help for them to learn and cope, but further research in this area is recommended.
Authors: Anika Sparla; Sebastian Flach-Vorgang; Matthias Villalobos; Katja Krug; Martina Kamradt; Kadiatou Coulibaly; Joachim Szecsenyi; Michael Thomas; Sinikka Gusset-Bährer; Dominik Ose Journal: BMC Health Serv Res Date: 2017-03-02 Impact factor: 2.655