Gynecology & Obstetrics

Gynecology & Obstetrics
Open Access

ISSN: 2161-0932

Being a family caregiver of cancer patients: Autoethnographic study


5th International Conference on Gynecology and Obstetrics

October 08-10, 2018 | Zurich, Switzerland

Pinar Sercekus Ak

Pamukkale University, Turkey

Scientific Tracks Abstracts: Gynecol Obstet

Abstract :

Autoethnography implies that researchers centre their studies on their own selves, their thoughts and feelings rather than focusing exclusively on others. Autoethnography author will present their own experiences rather than those of others. In this study, author will present this autoethnography study in which she will share her personal experience as relative of a patient whose father was diagnosed with esophageal cancer. Cancer is a difficult disease that affects patients and their families. The most important informal caregivers of cancer patients are family members. In the process of giving care, family members live in many physiological, psychological and social problems. Cancer is changing the daily lives of both patients and family members and increasing stress. Family caregivers suffer from headaches, insomnia, etc., depending on the stress they experience during the care process. In addition to caregivers suffer from headaches, insomnia, etc., depending on the stress they experience during the care process. Caregivers are experiencing shock, anxiety, weakness, irritability and fear of losing a loved one. Caregivers try to hide their feelings from the patient and avoid talking about the disease. Family members are not adequately supported by health personnel in this process. They expect to receive more information, be treated better and be given psychological support both on their own and in patients.

Biography :

Pinar Sercekus Ak has completed his PhD at Dokuz Eylul University and Postdoctoral studies at Pamukkale University, Faculty of Health Sciences. She is an Associate Professor at Obstetrics and Gynecology Nursing Department. She has published more than 25 papers in journals. She wrote several textbook about obstetric nursing.

E-mail: pinarsercekus@gmail.com

 

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