“You’re just in such crisis mode…frantic to get through the next day”: an interpretative phenomenological analysis of adjustment experiences among carers of patients with advanced oesophago-gastric cancer
Abstract Background In advanced oesophago-gastric cancer, rapid disease progression and complex symptoms contribute to a distinct caring context. Yet little is known about how those providing informal care interpret and adjust to these experiences, despite increasing recognition that this plays a ke...
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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BMC
2025-07-01
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| Series: | BMC Palliative Care |
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| Online Access: | https://doi.org/10.1186/s12904-025-01810-6 |
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| author | Cara Ghiglieri Martin Dempster Lisa Graham-Wisener |
| author_facet | Cara Ghiglieri Martin Dempster Lisa Graham-Wisener |
| author_sort | Cara Ghiglieri |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Abstract Background In advanced oesophago-gastric cancer, rapid disease progression and complex symptoms contribute to a distinct caring context. Yet little is known about how those providing informal care interpret and adjust to these experiences, despite increasing recognition that this plays a key role in shaping psychological well-being. This study aimed to comprehensively explore these carers’ adjustment experiences, identifying opportunities for improved care and support. Methods Semi-structured interviews were conducted with ten purposefully recruited individuals who had cared for someone with advanced oesophago-gastric cancer in the UK. The interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analysed using interpretative phenomenological analysis. Results Carers experienced a demanding adjustment process as they took on complex nutritional and emotional responsibilities, often with limited guidance or support. The rapid trajectory and disruption to roles and routines left many feeling overwhelmed and unable to meet their own needs. Ongoing efforts to seek understanding, preserve connection, and focus on the present supported their attempts to manage uncertainty and sustain meaning. Conclusions The findings reflect the unique complexities of advanced oesophago-gastric cancer care, pointing to the need for support models that acknowledge the complex, relational, and often hidden aspects of adjustment to caring in this context. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-bef05f066fe7498dba085b1fa0a60506 |
| institution | Kabale University |
| issn | 1472-684X |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-07-01 |
| publisher | BMC |
| record_format | Article |
| series | BMC Palliative Care |
| spelling | doaj-art-bef05f066fe7498dba085b1fa0a605062025-08-20T03:42:02ZengBMCBMC Palliative Care1472-684X2025-07-0124111510.1186/s12904-025-01810-6“You’re just in such crisis mode…frantic to get through the next day”: an interpretative phenomenological analysis of adjustment experiences among carers of patients with advanced oesophago-gastric cancerCara Ghiglieri0Martin Dempster1Lisa Graham-Wisener2Centre for Improving Health-Related Quality of Life, School of Psychology, Queen’s University BelfastCentre for Improving Health-Related Quality of Life, School of Psychology, Queen’s University BelfastCentre for Improving Health-Related Quality of Life, School of Psychology, Queen’s University BelfastAbstract Background In advanced oesophago-gastric cancer, rapid disease progression and complex symptoms contribute to a distinct caring context. Yet little is known about how those providing informal care interpret and adjust to these experiences, despite increasing recognition that this plays a key role in shaping psychological well-being. This study aimed to comprehensively explore these carers’ adjustment experiences, identifying opportunities for improved care and support. Methods Semi-structured interviews were conducted with ten purposefully recruited individuals who had cared for someone with advanced oesophago-gastric cancer in the UK. The interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analysed using interpretative phenomenological analysis. Results Carers experienced a demanding adjustment process as they took on complex nutritional and emotional responsibilities, often with limited guidance or support. The rapid trajectory and disruption to roles and routines left many feeling overwhelmed and unable to meet their own needs. Ongoing efforts to seek understanding, preserve connection, and focus on the present supported their attempts to manage uncertainty and sustain meaning. Conclusions The findings reflect the unique complexities of advanced oesophago-gastric cancer care, pointing to the need for support models that acknowledge the complex, relational, and often hidden aspects of adjustment to caring in this context.https://doi.org/10.1186/s12904-025-01810-6Informal carersAdjustmentCopingOesophago-gastric cancerUpper GI cancerQualitative |
| spellingShingle | Cara Ghiglieri Martin Dempster Lisa Graham-Wisener “You’re just in such crisis mode…frantic to get through the next day”: an interpretative phenomenological analysis of adjustment experiences among carers of patients with advanced oesophago-gastric cancer BMC Palliative Care Informal carers Adjustment Coping Oesophago-gastric cancer Upper GI cancer Qualitative |
| title | “You’re just in such crisis mode…frantic to get through the next day”: an interpretative phenomenological analysis of adjustment experiences among carers of patients with advanced oesophago-gastric cancer |
| title_full | “You’re just in such crisis mode…frantic to get through the next day”: an interpretative phenomenological analysis of adjustment experiences among carers of patients with advanced oesophago-gastric cancer |
| title_fullStr | “You’re just in such crisis mode…frantic to get through the next day”: an interpretative phenomenological analysis of adjustment experiences among carers of patients with advanced oesophago-gastric cancer |
| title_full_unstemmed | “You’re just in such crisis mode…frantic to get through the next day”: an interpretative phenomenological analysis of adjustment experiences among carers of patients with advanced oesophago-gastric cancer |
| title_short | “You’re just in such crisis mode…frantic to get through the next day”: an interpretative phenomenological analysis of adjustment experiences among carers of patients with advanced oesophago-gastric cancer |
| title_sort | you re just in such crisis mode frantic to get through the next day an interpretative phenomenological analysis of adjustment experiences among carers of patients with advanced oesophago gastric cancer |
| topic | Informal carers Adjustment Coping Oesophago-gastric cancer Upper GI cancer Qualitative |
| url | https://doi.org/10.1186/s12904-025-01810-6 |
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