Family Experiences in Caring for Cancer Patients Undergoing Chemotherapy: A Qualitative Study

Abstract

Lung cancer and chemotherapy have significant negative impacts on the lives of patients and their caregiving families. Families often experience anxiety, fear, sadness, and both physical and psychological burdens. This study aimed to explore the experiences of families in caring for patients undergoing chemotherapy in the Dahlia Chemotherapy Ward of Dr. H. A. Rotinsulu Lung Hospital. A qualitative method with a phenomenological approach was employed. Participants were selected using purposive sampling and snowball techniques, involving four participants. Data were collected through in-depth interviews, with the researcher serving as the primary instrument, and analyzed using Colaizzi’s seven-step method. The findings revealed nine themes: family knowledge of the disease and treatment, changes in family roles, family support for the patient’s psychological condition, family responses while providing care, various caregiving practices performed by the family, patients’ complaints after chemotherapy, challenges faced during caregiving, the emergence of caregiver burden, and family expectations regarding the care process. This study highlights the importance of education, family support, and effective coordination of care to assist families in managing the challenges of caring for chemotherapy patients.