The experience of spousal caregivers of patients recently diagnosed with cancer in Taiwan

Abstract

Background: Most qualitative studies on caregivers of cancer patients have explored the experiences of family members and friends in Western or European countries. Little is known about the experience of spousal caregivers of patients recently diagnosed with cancer in a Chinese population. Aim: The aim of this study was to explore the lived experience of spouses of patients recently diagnosed with cancer in Taiwan. Methods: This qualitative study analysed focus groups interview data using thematic analysis. Participants were purposively sampled from a medical hospital in central Taiwan. Four focus group interviews were conducted; 15 spousal caregivers participated. Findings: Research findings from the spouses, seven husbands and eight wives, included four main themes: handling emotions to make decisions quickly, experiencing meaningful support from a right and good physician, struggling with changes in daily life, and placing a peaceful mindset at the centre of life. Discussion: Chinese collectivistic culture expects family members to make medical decisions and filter information a patient receives. Spousal caregivers informed patients about their cancer in order to avoid or reduce the amount of psychological harm. Spouses’ strong commitments to caregiving provided them with power and motivation to continue caregiving. A peaceful mindset, influenced by the traditional Chinese philosophy of Buddhism, was considered critical for prolonging the patient’s life and maintaining the caregiver’s emotional health. Conclusions: It is important for healthcare professionals to understand Chinese cultural influences and concerns of spousal caregivers when caring for Chinese patients to manage patients and caregivers effectively.