Feelings experienced by family members regarding palliative care for their loved ones: a meta-synthesis
Year: 2026
Type: article
Study design: Systematic Review
Abstract: ABSTRACT Objective: To synthesize qualitative evidence on the feelings experienced by family caregivers regarding palliative care for their loved ones. Method: A systematic review with meta-synthesis, conducted according to JBI guidelines and registered in PROSPERO (CRD42024595313). The search was conducted in the Scopus, Web of Science, PubMed, Virtual Health Library, Excerpta Medica dataBASE, PsycINFO, Biblioteca Digital Brazileira de Teses e Dissertações, and Networked Digital Library of Theses and Dissertations databases, including qualitative studies involving adult family members. The analysis followed the meta-aggregation approach and appraisal using the Checklist for Qualitative Research. Results: Thirty studies were included. Six subthemes and two main themes emerged: “Negative feelings, challenges, and difficulties experienced by the family caregiver” and “Positive feelings and coping strategies”, culminating in the metatheme “Experiencing the duality of feelings during the palliative care process”. Conclusion: The caregiver’s experience is marked by emotional ambivalence, in which suffering, fear, and burden coexist with affection, resilience, and strengthened bonds, highlighting the need for multidimensional psychosocial support.
Institution: Universidade Estadual de Maringá
Language: English
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W7225629757