Author ORCID Identifier
Christy Muasher-Kerwin: https://orcid.org/0009-0003-8201-2995
M. Courtney Hughes: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8699-5701
Document Type
Article
Publication Title
Palliative & Supportive Care
Abstract
Objectives
Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most common and aggressive form of brain cancer. Family caregivers of individuals with GBM must navigate a wide range of their care recipients’ physical, cognitive, and psychosocial deficits to provide effective care, which is both mentally and physically demanding. This study aimed to investigate the perspectives of family caregivers of GBM patients about the barriers and challenges they encounter when providing care to their care recipients. Methods
Nineteen current and former family caregivers for individuals with GBM participated in semi-structured interviews from October 2023 through January 2024. We conducted interviews virtually and used applied thematic analysis to code transcripts to determine themes among participant responses. Results
Three themes emerged from the interview analysis: (1) overwhelming caregiver burden, (2) difficulties coping with the caregiver role, and (3) gaps in caregiver support. These themes demonstrated a significant physical and mental toll on caregivers and a lack of time for engaging in coping strategies. The family caregivers described a lack of resources, minimal education, and limited time with their medical providers left them feeling ill-prepared for their role. Most family caregivers indicated their care recipients did not use rehabilitation services and the family caregivers expressed confusion about hospice and palliative care. Significance of results
Family caregivers for individuals with GBM desire more straightforward and proactive information and education about their care recipients from their medical providers. There is an opportunity for more utilization of hospice, palliative, and rehabilitation services to provide necessary training to GBM patients and their caregivers.
First Page
1
Last Page
10
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1017/S147895152500015X
Publication Date
2025
Recommended Citation
Muasher-Kerwin, C., Baumbach, A., Liu, Y., & Hughes, M. C. (2025). “You sure feel like you’re alone, kind of flailing away out there”: Family caregiver perspectives of caring for an individual with glioblastoma multiforme. Palliative & Supportive Care, 23, e62.
Original Citation
Muasher-Kerwin, C., Baumbach, A., Liu, Y., & Hughes, M. C. (2025). “You sure feel like you’re alone, kind of flailing away out there”: Family caregiver perspectives of caring for an individual with glioblastoma multiforme. Palliative & Supportive Care, 23, e62.
Department
School of Allied Health and Communicative Disorders| School of Health Studies| School of Family and Consumer Sciences
