Family Members’ Behaviors toward Terminally Ill Cancer Patients with Communication Difficulties and the Related Support Provided by Medical Professionals

ABSTRACT

Objective: To clarify family members’ behaviors toward terminally ill cancer patients with communication difficulties and the related support provided by medical professionals. Method: Participants included 15 medical professionals engaged in palliative care (physicians, nurses, and psychologists) and 5 bereaved family members who had cared for terminally ill cancer patients at a hospital. Semi-structured interviews were conducted on the following (1) family members’ behaviors toward the patient and (2) related support provided by medical professionals to family members. The interviews were qualitatively analyzed using category analysis. Results: We identified three categories of family members’ behaviors toward the patient such as behaviors that continue to communicate with the patient as usual, behaviors that assist patients to feel secure and relaxed, We also identified nine categories of the related support provided by medical professionals such as advising family members on how to behave with the patient and providing encouraging feedback to family members on their behaviors toward the patient. Discussion: Our results suggest that medical professionals encouraged family members to continue their behaviors to patients confidently. Support to family members included suggesting behaviors to make it easier for them to put into practice, encouraging the patient and family interaction, and giving feedback on the family member’s behaviors.