Archetypal trajectories in lung cancer

Archetypal trajectories of social, psychological, and spiritual wellbeing and distress in family caregivers of patients with lung cancer.

We explored if family caregivers of patients with lung cancer experience the patterns of social, psychological, and spiritual wellbeing and distress typical of the patient, from diagnosis to death. Secondary analysis of serial qualitative interviews was carried out every three months for up to a year or to bereavement.

The findings revealed that carers followed clear patterns of social, psychological, and spiritual wellbeing and distress that mirrored the experiences of those for whom they were caring, with some carers also experiencing deterioration in physical health that impacted on their ability to care.

Certain key time points in the illness tended to be particularly problematic for both carers and patients: at diagnosis, at home after initial treatment, at recurrence, and during the terminal stage. The multidimensional experience of distress suffered by patients with lung cancer was reflected in the suffering of their carers. Carers need support from diagnosis and not just in the last weeks.

Funder

Chief Scientist Office

Research team

Scott Murray, Marilyn Kendall, Kirsty Boyd, Liz Grant, Gill Highet, Aziz Sheikh