Next of kin of cancer patients - challenges in the situation and experiences from a next of kin course.

Purpose: To gain more knowledge about the challenges facing the next of kin of cancer patients and how a cognitive-based course for these next of kin helps them handling the challenges they are facing.

Methods: Focus groups were used to explore the experiences, thoughts, and perceptions of the next of kin about specific challenges and their participation in the course. A thematic content analytical approach was used.