EP12.07 TTFIELDS: EXPERIENCES OF FAMILY MEMBERS

Abstract BACKGROUND TTFields is an established treatment for glioblastoma (GBM). In Sweden, TTFields often requires daily assistance of a family member to be offered to the patient, creating possible ethical problems. Little is known about family members’ own experiences of TTFields treatment. MATERIAL AND METHODS Semi-structured individual interviews were conducted with 21 family members of GBM patients who had been offered TTFields treatment. The interviews were analysed by qualitative content analysis. RESULTS The family members described that TTFields treatment created hope in an otherwise hopeless situation, even though some participants knew that hope was unrealistic in a long-term perspective. Their role in the practical daily assistance of device management was crucial and the patient depended on their help. This made the participants bound to the patients, limiting their own possibilities to travel and work. They also worried about personally falling ill, due to lack of backup alternatives assisting the patient with TTFields. Despite this, most expressed little caregiver burden, instead described that TTFields management created closeness, meaningfulness and strengthened the relationship with the patient. The family members described inadequate support from the healthcare, leaving them with unanswered questions, insufficient information and practical problems. Many felt abandoned by the healthcare, who were often described as uninterested. Staff from the private company providing the device were instead described as helpful and accessible. CONCLUSION Family members play an important role in TTFields treatment, which can be experienced as both burdensome and rewarding. Offering a backup solution for assistance with TTFields management if the family member is temporarily absent would be beneficial. Our study identified a need for better support and information from healthcare providers for family members assisting in TTFields treatment to create a secure situation. SUPPORT The Medical Research Council of Southeast Sweden (Dnr. FORSS-976715, 981775, 995108) and a grant from the Swedish Brain Tumor Association.