Abstract:
Objective To explore the economic toxicity perceptions and experiences of caregivers of colorectal cancer patients from the perspective of social ecological systems theory.
Methods Using purposive sampling, 18 caregivers of colorectal cancer patients hospitalized in the gastrointestinal surgery and oncology departments of a tertiary grade A hospital in Yangzhou were selected for semi-structured interviews. The Colaizzi 7-step analysis method was employed to organize and analyze the data.
Results Three main themes and nine sub-themes were extracted regarding the economic toxicity experiences and needs of caregivers of colorectal cancer patients. Microsystem included multiple negative experiences, impacted individual health, and difficulties in surrogate decision-making; mesosystem included heavy family financial burden, altered family lifestyle, and tense family atmosphere; macrosystem included needs for the scope and intensity of medical insurance reimbursement, needs for medical resources and services, and a desire for social support.
Conclusion The ecological system of caregivers of colorectal cancer patients is not optimistic, and is generally affected by economic toxicity. Intervention strategies can be sought from multiple aspects, including alleviating the negative experiences of caregivers, strengthening social support, and paying attention to the needs of caregivers, aiming to reduce the level of economic toxicity among caregivers of colorectal cancer patients.
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