EXPLORINGTHE PREPAREDNESS OF FAMILY CARE GIVERS TO PROVIDE CANCER PALLIATIVE CARE

Background: Palliative care for pain relief and management of other distressing symptoms of cancer patients specially through non-pharmacological approach by family care givers (FCGs) improves the quality of life of patients. Preparedness of FCGs for this role needs to be explored. Methodology: Descriptive qualitative design was adopted to explore the FCGs readiness on providing cancer palliative care for their cancer survivors. Focus Group Discussions were conducted in public sector, private sector and cancer care institutions which are managed by the Cancer Society in the Colombo area until data saturation was achieved between September 2011 to January 2012. Results: Most of the FCGs were females and the mean (SD) age was 39(±10) years. The average educational level of the FCGs/domiciliary care providers was at primary level. Thematic analysis of their data on the readiness to provide cancer PC emerged four key themes; readiness in providing care, need relaxation, need psychosocial support and inadequate knowledge. Conclusion: FCGs had the readiness to provide care for their patients amidst challenges they face during the time of care giving. Family care givers were of the view that having knowledge and experience as an FCG will facilitate in continuing to care effectively.