The lived experience of closeness in partners of cancer patients in the home care setting

At present there are few data available on the experiences of closeness in partners of patients with advanced cancer. The aim of this study was to explore the lived experience of closeness in partners of patients with advanced cancer in palliative home care. Ten partners of patients admitted to a palliative, hospital-based home care unit participated in this study. Tape-recorded interviews were conducted and Giorgi’s phenomenological analysis was used. Three themes emerged: dimensions of closeness, such as togetherness, sharing and daily concern; prerequisites for closeness; and obstacles that hindered closeness. In essence, closeness was described as a changing process that was expected to end. This study has revealed the importance of closeness in the partners of patients with advanced cancer. Experiencing closeness is of great importance when the disease is no longer curable and time is limited. Partners need professional help to facilitate this experience.