title: Balancing: a basic process in end-of-life cancer care.
abstract: In this grounded theory study, the authors interviewed caregivers and patients in end-of-life cancer care and found Balancing to be a fundamental process explaining the problem-solving strategies of most participants and offering a comprehensive perspective on both health care in general and end-of-life cancer care in particular. Balancing stages were Weighing--sensing needs and wishes signaled by patients, gauging them against caregiver resources in diagnosing and care planning; Shifting--breaking bad news, changing care places, and treatments; and Compensating--controlling symptoms, educating and team-working, prioritizing and "stretching" time, innovating care methods, improvising, and maintaining the homeostasis of hope. The Balancing outcome is characterized by Compromising, or "Walking a fine line," at best an optimized situation, at worst a deceit.
authors.forename: Hans
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Thulesius
authors.forename: Anders
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Håkansson
authors.forename: Kerstin
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Petersson
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D017028:Caregivers / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D008297:Male; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000451:nursing*; D010166:Palliative Care / Q000523:psychology*; D010347:Patient Care Planning; D011340:Problem Solving; D036301:Qualitative Research; D013548:Sweden; D013727:Terminal Care / Q000523:psychology*; D019452:Terminally Ill / Q000523:psychology*