Next of kin of cancer patients – Challenges in the situation and experiences from a next of kin course

Abstract Purpose To gain more knowledge about the challenges facing the next of kin of cancer patients and how a cognitive-based course for these next of kin helps them handling the challenges they are facing. Methods Focus groups were used to explore the experiences, thoughts, and perceptions of the next of kin about specific challenges and their participation in the course. A thematic content analytical approach was used. Results Three focus groups were convened with each group consisting of 4–7 adults. A total of 9 women and 7 men, aged 32 to 78 years, were included in the sample. The following two main themes emerged in the results: Fighting three battles and From distance t o acceptance. This study shows that the difficult situations next of kin experience require the next of kin to gain a new understanding of challenges, which involves a comprehensive learning process. Conclusion The results suggest that a cognitively oriented course for the next of kin fill a need for help for them to learn and cope, but further research in this area is recommended.