A qualitative analysis of the information needs of informal carers of terminally ill cancer patients

This article discusses issues relating to information arising from a qualit ative study of the experiences of informal carers of terminally ill cancer patients. Qualitative data analysis, drawing on methods of literary criticism, reveal ed that information was a key area in carers' experience. The findings are presented in the contest of needing to provide individuali zed care to ever!; family and deal with information needs relating to the i llness and prognosis. The question of who is in possession of what information is raised, and the effect that this can have on couples is discussed, together with the issue of false information which carers may receive. The discussion centres on the complexity of understanding carers' informati on needs and considers how these are affected by the contest within which c arers operate. The work of Glaser and Strauss on awareness contexts is discussed in this r espect. Finally, the importance of the nurse's role as a sensitive mediator of info rmation is considered.