THE EFFECT OF PANCREATIC CANCER ON THE FAMILY: A QUALITATIVE STUDY
Konstantina V. Tatselou, Sotirios Plakas, Dimitris Papageorgiou, Martha Kelesi, Georgia Fasoi, Aret Stavropoulou, Εvrydiki Kaba
Sunday, January 1, 2023
Publication year:
2023
Authors:
- Tatselou Konstantina V. , Nurse, "Attikon" U.G.H., Master of Science "Treatment and Care of Wounds and Ulcers", Department of Nursing, School of Health & Care Sciences, University of West Attica, Athens, Greece
- Plakas Sotirios, RN, MSc, PhD, Lecturer, Department of Nursing, School of Health and Welfare, Technological Educational Institution (TEI) of Athens, Greece
- Papageorgiou Dimitris, 2nd Department of Nursing, Technological Eductional Institute of Athens
- Kelesi Martha, Professor, Department of Nursing, University of West Attika
- Fasoi Georgia, Associate Professor, Department of Nursing, Technological Educational Institute of Athens, Athens, Greece
- Stavropoulou Aret, Department of Nursing, University of West Attica
- Kaba Εvrydiki, Associate Professor, Department of Nursing, Faculty of Health and Caring Sciences, University of West Attica, Athens, Greece
Keywords index:
Pages: 97-111
Abstract:
Introduction: Pancreatic cancer is a serious and often fatal disease. It is an experience that can affect in many areas of life the family members who are close to the affected members, who are faced with a variety of emotions and data that are constantly changing.The aim of this qualitative study was to investigate the experiences experienced by the family of patients with end-stage pancreatic cancer.Methodology: The data collection and analysis was performed using the methodology of the Grounded Theory. In order to collect the data, unstructured interviews were conducted with family members of the patients, during the stay of their patients in the hospital. The resulting data were analyzed by the method of continuous comparative analysis.Results: From data analysis emerged three main thematic units: 1) The transition from absolute health to absolute disease. Two categories emerged through it: A) Shock - denial with two subcategories: A1) Shock - non-acceptance of the situation - first reactions and feelings, A2) Immediate and ongoing concerns and B) Psychological and practical disorganization. The 2nd thematic unit followed: Psycho-emotional response and adaptation of caregivers - family members to the unpleasant situation. The analysis was completed with the 3rd thematic unit: Ideological compensation - love defeats cancer.Conclusions: The results highlight the complexity of dealing with such a disease on a personal, psychological, practical level. The end-stage pancreatic cancer is a multifaceted difficulty for family members and the need for long-term support is imperative.
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