Cancer in the social representations of caregivers: implications for care

Abstract

Objective: Identify the social representations of caregivers of cancer for patients with no chance of cure and analyze their implications for care. Method: This is a qualitative research based on the Theory of Representations. Results: In thematic content analysis fell into two categories: The discovery of the other necessary care and generating two subunits: Limitations and Dependencies of the patient and participation in care; The relationship care, caregiver and patient that generated two subunits: The suffering of caregivers and support, the comfort and hope the caregiver. Conclusion: Is necessary that the nurse promotes strategies that facilitate the involvement of caregivers and the family in caring.