Exploring the Lived Experiences of Psychological Well-Being Among Advanced Cancer Patients and Their Caregivers Receiving Palliative Care at the End-of-Life in Jordan: A Phenomenological Study

Abstract

Early involvement in palliative care in coordination with the cancer care regimen seems to be possible and acceptable in patients with advanced cancer. The need arises to explore the experiences of cancer patients and their caregivers regarding their mental well-being at the point of diagnosis in order to provide them with the necessary support to help improve the quality of end-of-life care. This paper attempted to uncover the experience of the mental well-being of patients with cancer and their caregivers nearing the end-of-life in Jordan. A qualitative, descriptive phenomenological research approach was utilized. Semi-structured in-depth interviews were carried out among a sample population consisting of 15 participants, who were taken from a comprehensive palliative care setting. The interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed in detail, and translated in both the forward and reverse methods rigorously, and data analysis was conducted with the use of Colaizzi’s phenomenological technique in relation to the derivation of the themes that describe and reflect the experiences of the participants. Findings from this study have enhanced the understanding of psychological well-being through the presentation that illustrates the process by which the meanings of the participants’ experiences, coping with suffering, and relationship activities in the Jordanian cultural context construct the process by which patients and caregivers in end-of-life cancer services, in Jordan, can be provided with holistic approaches that include the integration of psychological, spiritual, and family support services to improve the quality of end-of-life cancer services.