Juggling two worlds: Exploring the experiences of caregivers of patients with acute leukemia.

[PURPOSE] Caregiver burden is an often reported consequence of caring for patients with acute leukemia (AL). The current literature extensively describes caregiving tasks for patients with AL but provides limited information about the challenge of balancing these new obligations with previous and concurrent personal and family responsibilities. The goal of this qualitative study was to understand the multifaceted responsibilities of caregivers of patients with AL, their perceived impact, and the available resources that these caregivers found to be supportive in their caregiving role.

[METHODS] A secondary analysis, using qualitative description, was conducted on data obtained from interviews with 21 caregivers of children and adults with AL.

[RESULTS] Caregivers described balancing many responsibilities related to the patient, other relationships, work, and home. Coordinating and multitasking responsibilities were perceived to have an adverse effect on the emotional, physical, and financial well-being of participants. Social support was identified as a resource that supported the ability to manage the diverse responsibilities, and caregivers provided emotional and practical suggestions for care.

[CONCLUSIONS] Upon becoming a caregiver for a patient with AL, individuals are faced with new responsibilities that compound their existing obligations, often resulting in the de-prioritization of the caregiver's needs and other responsibilities. The development and implementation of caregiver support as a standard of care is necessary to mitigate the negative consequences of caregiving.