Congress Abstracts 2006

249

WHAT IS THE LIVED EXPERIENCE FOR CAREGIVERS 6-18 MONTHS POST ALLOGENEIC TRANSPLANTATION? Frank Brown, RN, BSN, OCN^®, MS(c), Roswell Park Cancer Institute, Buffalo, NY.

Each year, over 100,000 individuals face unexpected Hematological malignancies with the high potential of life threatening consequences. In many cases, stem cell transplantation is the only curative chance for survival. Stem cell transplantation is a challenging prospect, not only for the patient, but also for the family/significant other caregivers that will be a part of this journey. Caregivers play a key role from the moment the treatment plan is begun, to follow-up after transplant and potentially many years beyond during survivorship.

Since there are a limited number of research studies focusing on caregivers'experiences with stem cell transplantation, this phenomenological, qualitative research study examined the lived experience of caregivers 6-18 months post allogeneic stem cell transplantation.

The purpose of this study was to explore the lived experience of care-givers for patients 6-18 months post allogeneic stem cell trans-plan-tation. The findings of the study will be utilized to develop strategies to meet the needs of these caregivers and to help them to successfully carry out the various responsibilities they face in the crucial role they play in the patient's care following allogeneic stem cell transplantation.

The theoretical framework that was used for this study is the theory of Human Caring(1999) by Dr. Jean Watson.

Purposeful sampling was utilized to recruit six caregivers who voluntarily consented to participate in the study. Data were collected via semi-structured, audiotaped interviews, which were then transcribed verbatim. Colaizzi's method was utilized throughout data collection and analysis to identify themes that depicted the essence of the lived experience of caregivers.

The data clearly demonstrated that the caregiving experience had a significant impact on the lives of these caregivers. Six preliminary themes emerged during the initial data analysis: " Life changes in an instant"; "Obligation to become the caregiver"; "Managing worries and uncertainties"; " Responsibilities to keep the recipient alive"; "Multifaceted role"; and Feeling good about being able to help.