Study On Family Participation In Cancer Care: Qualitative Results, Opportunities And Limitations

The comparative study conducted in Clermont-Ferrand on 134 participants wanted to assess the interest and feasibility of family integration to the care in oncology. Two clinical interviews and several self-questionnaires were used to assess the quality of life and emotional burden of the patients and their relatives. Results showed that the involvement of families in the medical care can enhance a family's role, a better understanding of care and decreased feelings of helplessness and guilt. Our study demonstrated that there is a benefit to integrate the family to the care, not only for the family but also for the patient. However, from the point of view of a generalization of this approach, we must think about the role of the psychologist and the possible institutional resistances. To cite this journal: Psycho-Oncol. 4 (2010).