Impact of Oral Anticancer Medication From a Family Caregiver Perspective.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To describe how family caregivers of patients receiving oral anticancer medication (OAM) may affect family caregivers' lives and determine what support caregivers need to manage OAM in the home successfully. PARTICIPANTS & SETTING: Family caregivers of individuals with cancer prescribed OAM recruited from oncology clinics in the Midwest region of the United States. METHODOLOGIC APPROACH: Focus group methodology was used to elicit caregivers' perspectives. Sessions were audio recorded and transcribed verbatim. Qualitative analysis used a constant comparative approach. FINDINGS: Themes specific to OAM treatment were convenience, safe handling, financial worries, and medical impact of OAM treatment course. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING Providing support and educating caregivers on preparation, administration and safe handling, precautions for the handling of patient bodily fluids, potential for treatment interruptions, and financial assistance and resources for OAM may bolster effective caregiving in home environments.