Qualitative Meta-analysis on Family Caregiving Experiences for Terminally Ill Cancer Patients in Korea

Abstract

In this study, a qualitative meta-analysis was conducted to comprehensively examine the experiences of family caregiving for terminally ill cancer patients in Korea. To this end, data were collected from papers published in Korea on the topic of family caregiving experiences for terminally ill cancer patients. A total of seven articles were selected according to selection and exclusion criteria and a qualitative meta-analysis was conducted. As a result, five themes in family caregiving were identified: (1) Difficulties in choosing and deciding, (2) coping with life-altering pain, (3) caregiving for the patient, (4) care received by the family caregiver, and (5) ambivalent change Based on the results of this study, the perspectives of nurses on the categories of “ Difficulties in choosing and deciding” and “coping with life-altering pain” were discussed as categories that require assistance for families experiencing difficulties.