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(Reference retrieved automatically from Web of Science through information on FAPESP grant and its corresponding number as mentioned in the publication by the authors.)

``You begin to give more value in life, in minutes, in seconds{''}: spiritual and existential experiences of family caregivers of patients with advanced cancer receiving end-of-life care in Brazil

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Author(s):
Benites, Andrea Carolina [1] ; Rodin, Gary [2, 3] ; de Oliveira-Cardoso, Erika Arantes [1] ; dos Santos, Manoel Antonio [1]
Total Authors: 4
Affiliation:
[1] Univ Sao Paulo, Fac Filosofia Ciencias & Letras Ribeirao Preto, Psychol Grad Program, Ribeirao Preto, SP - Brazil
[2] Univ Toronto, Global Inst Psychosocial Palliat & End Life Care, Toronto, ON - Canada
[3] Univ Hlth Network, Princess Margaret Canc Ctr, Dept Support Care, Canc Experience, Toronto, ON - Canada
Total Affiliations: 3
Document type: Journal article
Source: SUPPORTIVE CARE IN CANCER; v. 30, n. 3 NOV 2021.
Web of Science Citations: 0
Abstract

Purpose Facing the end of life may trigger significant distress in family caregivers of patients with advanced cancer. However, few studies have addressed the spiritual and existential concerns of these family caregivers in their end-of-life care journey. This study aimed to understand the spiritual and existential experience of family caregivers of patients with advanced cancer facing the end of life in Brazil. Methods A purposive sample of 16 family caregivers of hospitalized terminally ill cancer patients in Brazil participated in in-depth interviews. Data collection and analysis were based on interpretative phenomenological analysis. Results Three superordinate themes in their spiritual and existential experience were identified: (i) connectedness through caregiving, personal relationships, and spiritual beliefs; (ii) shifting hope: from death as a possibility to preparation for impending death; (iii) reframing suffering and meaning. For these caregivers, the relationship with the patient and with others, their spiritual beliefs, and hope were significant sources of meaning. Hope was sustained by death avoidance, oscillating with death acceptance and hope that it would occur with comfort. Family caregivers also experienced existential and spiritual suffering in the form of guilt, suppressed emotions, and loneliness. Conclusion Health care providers should address and support caregivers' spiritual needs and their relationships with the patient and others during end-of-life care and facilitate reflection regarding existential concerns, meaning, and preparation for impending death. (AU)

FAPESP's process: 17/26542-5 - The lived experience of a family caregiver of a person with advanced Cancer and the significances of spirituality
Grantee:Andrea Carolina Benites
Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate
FAPESP's process: 19/02134-0 - The experience of advanced cancer patients and family caregivers: expanding research perspectives and interventions in psycho-oncology and palliative care between Canada and Brazil
Grantee:Andrea Carolina Benites
Support Opportunities: Scholarships abroad - Research Internship - Doctorate