Planning nursing interventions for family members of adult cancer patients

Abstract

Summary This article describes the results of an exploratory study identifying components of family coping during the cancer experience. Forty-one family members of adult cancer patients completed the 30-item Likert-format Family Coping Strategies questionnaire, which was compiled by the researcher as a result of pilot study findings. Items with which the majority of the study respondents strongly agreed and disagreed are listed. A rank-ordering questionnaire entitled Specific Family Needs was also completed by the study responents, which prioritized helpful nursing interventions for family members. Implications for nursing practice are also outlined as a result of study findings.