The lived experiences of primary caregivers of adults receiving chemotherapy for colorectal cancer : interpretative phenomenological analysis

Abstract

Background: Primary caregivers of adults receiving chemotherapy for colorectal cancer (CRC), undergo a challenging experience. While the treatment for CRC requires hospitalisation, the treatment itself can result in severe side effects even after discharge home. Thus, primary caregivers may struggle with caring for their loved ones and coping especially when considering the side effects and other responsibilities. Objective: The aim of this dissertation is to explore the lived experiences of primary caregivers of adults receiving Folfox chemotherapy for CRC in Malta while evaluating how the experience impacted them physically, emotionally, socially, psychologically, and financially. Furthermore, this study considers the strategies that primary caregivers utilise in an attempt to cope with their situation and the degree to which they perceive these strategies to be successful. Additionally, this study intends to establish an effective structure for HCPs to help them identify the psychological demands of primary caregivers. Design: A qualitative design guided by interpretative phenomenology analysis Setting: This research study was held in the local oncology hospital Participants: Five Maltese primary caregivers caring for patients receiving Folfox chemotherapy as a first treatment. Methodology: The data collection took place between October and January 2020, and the participants were chosen through purposeful sampling. These participants took part in semistructured interviews, and their responses were transcribed verbatim and analysed utilising the interpretative phenomenology analysis approach. Results: Three superordinate themes emerged from the participants’ lived experiences, namely (1) a windstorm, (2) buffeted by the wind, and (3) the windbreakers. Conclusion: The period during which the primary caregivers’ loved ones were undergoing Folfox chemotherapy was seen as a major disruption in their life and involved diverse challenges. The journey that they found themselves on was totally unexpected, and they found themselves being confronted by a storm for which they had received no warning. The participants mentioned various physical, psychological, and social disruptions; however, they also defined hope, religious beliefs, and support from others as crucial elements that helped them face the storm.