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June 17, 2026Palliative & Supportive CareOpen Access

Ambiguous loss in family caregivers of patients in a permanent vegetative state: A reflexive thematic analysis

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Authors

ITInes TestoniMRMatteo RigoLPLaura Pizzolato

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Overview

Qualitative analysis reveals emotional challenges faced by caregivers in permanent vegetative state situations, suggesting new support strategies.

Key Points

  • This analysis aims to explore how family caregivers experience and find meaning in ambiguous loss while caring for individuals in a permanent vegetative state.
  • Phenomenologically informed approach with semistructured interviews conducted with 13 family caregivers.
  • Data analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis in alignment with COREQ guidelines.
  • Four themes emerged: presence and absence, identity disruption and growth, emotional bonding practices, and the duality of waiting and saying goodbye.
  • Caregivers expressed the need for maintaining connections and challenging conventional medical views on the patient.

Cite This Study

Testoni et al. (2026) studied this question.

synapsesocial.com/papers/6a323e9ed50b63ecad207cachttps://doi.org/10.1017/s147895152610282x
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Also Consider

Synapse has enriched 5 closely related papers on similar clinical questions. Consider them for comparative context:

  1. 1Ambiguous presence: Grief and care among healthcare assistants in permanent vegetative state2026
  2. 2Conceptual Reconfiguration of Personal Significance in the Context of Ambiguous Loss: A Scoping Review of Wives’ Existential Suffering in Stroke Caregiving2026
  3. 3Family Perspectives on Disappearance: Perceived Contributing Factors and Coping Strategies for Ambiguous Loss2026
  4. 4Waiting between war and loss: a qualitative study on the experience of ambiguous loss among Syrian refugees2026
  5. 5Implicit Bias and Microaggressions in the Care of People With Prolonged Disorders of Consciousness: Bridging Medicine, Disability Studies, and Family Advocacy2026