Family members’ perspectives of caring for patients with terminal hepatocellular carcinoma.

323 Background: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a growing problem worldwide and accounts for more than 700,000 deaths annually. There is no curative treatment for those diagnosed with terminal HCC. This group of patients differs from other populations with liver disease or cancer due to the combined disease processes of cancer and liver failure. Although family members often play an integral role in providing care, no study was found specifically examining family member experiences of caring for patients with terminal HCC. The aim of this study was to describe family members’ experiences and perceptions of providing care for patients with HCC as they near the end of life. Methods: This longitudinal, prospective pilot study described here presents the qualitative results of semi-structured in-person interviews with a convenience sub-sample of 13 family members conducted once a month for up to a 6-month period. The interview guide included questions about family member experiences of providing care for pa...