The family with cancer

Abstract

The purpose of this research was to identify nursing interventions that cancer patients' families find most and least helpful. These nursing interventions were identified in relation to three phases of living with cancer: an initial, an adaptation, and a terminal phase. The independent variable, phase of living with cancer, was manipulated by simulation measurement. A stratified random sample of 62 respondents was obtained using the telephone directory as a sampling frame. Each respondent answered questions based upon a vignette depicting a cancer patient in one of the three phases of living with cancer. Study results showed that respondents in all three phases consistently rated nursing interventions directed toward the patient as being most helpful vs. those directed at helping the family member cope. Interventions involving the nurse giving information were also rated high throughout all three phases. Results also showed that family members' needs were different in the various phases of the illness.