Using the FOCUS family intervention in caring for a patient-spouse dyad with advanced colorectal cancer
Journal
Journal of Nursing
Journal Volume
64
Journal Issue
3
Pages
98-104
Date Issued
2017
Author(s)
Abstract
The care-related burdens of the spouses of advanced cancer patients often impact negatively on their physical health, emotional well-being, social functioning, and quality of life. Thus, dyad interventions have been created to meet the demands of advanced cancer patients and their spouses. However, the application of dyadic care in clinical settings is currently rather limited in Taiwan. The present case study involved a patient with advanced colorectal cancer and malignant bowel obstruction whose disease-related demands had eroded the patient's physical, psychological, and spiritual health. The patient's condition placed overwhelming stress on the spouse, jeopardizing the relationship of the dyad. This article elaborates the implementation of the FOCUS program with the goal of helping the dyad achieve better disease adjustment through family involvement, optimistic attitude, effective coping, better symptom management, and uncertainty reduction. Through this delineated experience, the authors hope to help healthcare providers achieve a higher quality of care while caring for patient-family dyads with colorectal cancer.
Subjects
Colorectal cancer; Dyadic care; Family intervention; FOCUS program
SDGs
Other Subjects
case report; colorectal tumor; empathy; human; male; middle aged; nursing; spouse; Colorectal Neoplasms; Empathy; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Spouses
Type
conference paper