• R G Steele and M I Fitch.
• University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada.
• Oncol Nurs Forum. 1996 Jul 1;23(6):955-60.

Purpose/ObjectiveTo identify the use and effectiveness of coping strategies identified by family caregivers of patients with terminal cancer.DesignExploratory, descriptive.SettingSix nonprofit home hospices in Canada.SampleTwenty Caucasian family caregivers of 20 patients with terminal cancer who were enrolled in home hospice.MethodsSubjects were recruited on admission to hospice and completed the revised Jalowiec Coping Scale.Main Research VariablesFamily caregivers' assessment of their use of 60 possible coping strategies and the extent to which those strategies were effective.FindingsIn this study, the problem was defined as caring for the patient in the two weeks prior to the interview. Family caregivers of patients with cancer receiving home hospice care found that keeping busy, thinking positively, and learning more about the problem were effective coping strategies. Talking the problem over with family and friends also was found to be an effective strategy.ConclusionsFamily caregivers need encouragement to maintain hope and a positive attitude so that they can continue caregiving. Social, volunteer, and professional support are important for caregivers.Implications For Nursing PracticeTo provide guidance and support to family caregivers, nurses need to explore the meanings that caregivers attach to the caregiving experience and assist caregivers in reframing these meanings in a positive light.

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