The weight of time: experience of time toxicity among advanced cancer patients and their family caregivers-a qualitative study.

Background: Substantial time investments are required from patients and caregivers due to cancer management and treatment demands. These cumulative time burdens can lead to the disruption of daily life order, aggravation of psychological distress, and economic burden. However, time toxicity is often overlooked in the current healthcare environment. Therefore, this study examined perceptions of time toxicity from advanced cancer patients and their family caregivers.

Methods: A qualitative study based on semi-structured interviews was conducted among 12 advanced cancer patients and 6 family caregivers at oncology departments in tertiary hospitals and a community hospital. The interviews were analyzed according to thematic analysis. The reporting of this qualitative research conformed to the COREQ consolidated criteria.

Results: The findings of this study have revealed four key themes: (1) The experience of time toxicity stems from multi-dimensional contributing factors; (2) time toxicity has multiple negative impacts on patients and caregivers; (3) strategies for coping with time toxicity in cancer patients and caregivers; (4) clinical needs and expectations of cancer patients and caregivers regarding time burden.

Conclusion: Healthcare professionals should receive training to identify time toxicity manifestations and their cascading effects on patient distress; systematic time burden assessments must be initiated at cancer diagnosis, coupled with implementation of time-saving care pathways and continuous evaluation of temporal resource adequacy.