“Your whole life is turned upside down”: a reflexive thematic analysis identifying recommendations for designing and conducting qualitative research with cancer caregivers

Researchers should include interview questions which explore dyadic interactions between caregivers and survivors, as well as caregivers' individual experiences. Practicing reflexivity can increase researchers' awareness of implicit biases that inform the design and conduct of their research, such as questions that inadvertently shift the focus to the patient rather than the caregiver. Finally, with deeply personal information often disclosed during qualitative interviews, researchers should be equipped to respond with empathy and connect caregivers to professional support as needed.