title: Involving family members in cancer care: focus group considerations of patients and oncological providers.
abstract: Family members are an integral part of a patient's cancer care from the moment the diagnosis is delivered to the conclusion of treatment. Family members bring with them a range of emotional reactions, interpersonal dynamics and expectations for the care the patient receives. This study is part of a multi-institutional project to continue to improve the process of cancer care. In this study, 19 focus groups (11 patient and 8 provider) were conducted concerning issues related to doctor-patient communication in eight cancer centers in the United States. The content of the conversations was analyzed and thematic categories emerged that highlight the various strengths and difficulties associated with family involvement. The focus groups' comments support the need for explicit conversations between professional caregivers, patients and their loved ones, in order to negotiate the expectations and needs of each team member. Implications for clinical practice and strategies for working with family members are offered.
authors.affiliation: Doctor-Patient Communication Consortium, Primary Care Institute, Highland Hospital/Strong Health, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, NY, USA.
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Speice
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Harkness
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Laneri
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Frankel
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Roter
authors.forename: A B
authors.initials: AB
authors.lastname: Kornblith
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Ahles
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Winer
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Fleishman
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Luber
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Zevon
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: McQuellon
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Trief
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Finkel
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Spira
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Greenberg
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Rowland
authors.forename: J C
authors.initials: JC
authors.lastname: Holland
mesh_terms: D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D017028:Caregivers / Q000523:psychology; D005190:Family / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D017144:Focus Groups; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000523:psychology* / Q000628:therapy; D010348:Patient Care Team; D012803:Sick Role