Living on Hold in Palliative Cancer Care

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Anna Sandgren
Hans Thulesius
Kerstin Petersson
Bengt Fridlund

Abstract

The aim of this study was to develop a classic grounded theory of palliative cancer patients and their relatives in the context of home care. We analyzed interviews and data related to the behaviour of both patients and relatives. “Living on hold” emerged as the pattern of behaviour through which the patients and relatives deal with their main concern, being put on hold. Living on Hold involves three modes: Fighting, Adjusting and Surrendering. Mode being may change during a trajectory depending on many different factors. There are also different triggers that can start a reconciling process leading to a change of mode. This means that patients and relatives can either be in the same mode or in different modes simultaneously. More or less synchronous modes may lead to problems and conflicts within the family, or with the health professionals.

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How to Cite
Sandgren, A., Thulesius, H., Petersson, K., & Fridlund, B. (2010). Living on Hold in Palliative Cancer Care. Grounded Theory Review, 9(01), 79–100. Retrieved from https://groundedtheoryreview.org/index.php/gtr/article/view/66
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