Involving family members in cancer care: Focus group considerations of patients and oncological providers

Family members are an integral part of a patient's cancer care from the mom ent the diagnosis is delivered to the conclusion of treatment. Family membe rs bring with them a range of emotional reactions, interpersonal dynamics a nd expectations for the care the patient receives. This study is part of a multi-institutional project to continue to improve the process of cancer ca re. In this study, 19 focus groups (11 patient and 8 provider) were conduct ed concerning issues related to doctor-patient communication in eight cance r centers in the United States. The content of the conversations was analyz ed and thematic categories emerged that highlight the various strengths and difficulties associated with family involvement. The focus groups' comment s support the need for explicit conversations between professional caregive rs, patients and their loved ones, in order to negotiate the expectations a nd needs of each team member. Implications for clinical practice and strate gies for working with family members are offered. Copyright (C) 2000 John W iley Br Sons, Ltd.