Balancing: A basic process in end-of-life cancer care

In this grounded theory study, the authors interviewed caregivers and patients in end-of-life cancer care and found Balancing to be a fundamental process explaining the problem-solving strategies of most participants and offering a comprehensive perspective on both health care in general and end-of-life cancer care in particular. Balancing stages were Weighing-sensing needs and wishes signaled by patients, gauging them against caregiver resources in diagnosing and care planning; Shifting-breaking bad news, changing care places, and treatments; and Compensating-controlling symptoms, educating and team-working, prioritizing and stretching time, innovating care methods, improvising, and maintaining the homeostasis of hope. The Balancing outcome is characterized by Compromising, or Walking a fine line, at best an optimized situation, at worst a deceit.