Exploring the impact caring at home for an adolescent with cancer has on family roles and relationship in Taiwanese families.

Abstract

Adolescence is a particularly challenging period of life, and suffering from cancer compounds the challenges for the adolescent and significantly influences family functioning with respect to roles and responsibilities. Research indicates that treatment outcomes and survival rates from cancer in the adolescent population are poor. Most research focuses on symptom management and the identification of effective medical treatments for this group. In Taiwan this is a particularly stressful time for families caring for adolescents with cancer at home because currently there is little support for such families. This paper explores the impact caring for an adolescent child with cancer has on family roles and relationship in Taiwanese families. Grounded theory was used in this study as it provides an approach to examine the nature of family dynamics whilst caring for adolescents with cancer. Family members were asked to be involved in audio-taped semi-structured in-depth interviews, either individually or in a family group following ethics approval. The delivery of appropriate care and services depends upon gaining better understanding of, and gaining insight into, how care-giving influences family roles and relationships when caring for an adolescent with cancer at home. Such understanding serves as a platform for recommending services and supports for care-giving families in a health care system that traditionally has not provided such assistance.