How Caregivers Cope and Adapt When a Family Member Is Diagnosed With a Hematologic Malignancy: Informing Supportive Care Needs

Background Informal family caregivers (FCs) of adults with various diseases including hematologic malignancy (HM) experience low quality of life and psychological well-being. Although HMs are life-threatening cancers associated with high mortality, numerous symptoms, and lengthy hospitalizations and are therefore likely to be challenging for FCs to cope with, there is scant research exploring FC experiences. Objective The aim of this study was to describe the coping and adaptation of FCs of patients during diagnosis and treatment of HM. Methods This study used a qualitative descriptive design to analyze semi-structured interview responses from FCs (N = 28) within 3 months of the patients' HM diagnosis. A content analysis was conducted to generate common themes. Results Family caregivers endorsed adaptive and maladaptive coping. Adaptive strategies included taking one day at a time, spirituality, engaging in pastimes, and utilizing emotional and instrumental family and community support. Maladaptive coping included wishful thinking, harmful habits, avoidance, and lacking or being unable to accept family and community support. Conclusions Findings highlight the complexities of caregiver burden as they support their loved ones with HM. Implications for Practice Family caregivers would benefit from receiving an interdisciplinary family-centered approach as their HM person is initiating treatment. Nurses should consider assessing the FCs' psychosocial needs to help facilitate appropriate services, such as palliative care consultations, social work referrals, support groups, and/or counseling.