Aim: The aim of this study was to explore relatives to patients with cancer experiences and needs of psychosocial support within inpatient care.

Method: The study was empiric and conducted as a qualitative study with explorative design. Eight relatives were interviewed. The data were transcribed and read through and then subjected to qualitative content analysis according to Graneheim & Lundman.

Results: The analysis resulted in four categories: emotional support, appraisal support, informative support and instrumental support. The relatives needed support from friends, family and healthcare. The need for support was individually. They needed to get information about treatment, prognosis and planning. The relatives needed to be confirmed by the medical staff and would like an easy access to the health care for getting their questions answered and to be involved. Deficiencies were found in the support in information in diagnosis, insufficient information on the healthcare routines, inadequate meeting and requirements for participation.

Conclusions: The relatives need psychosocial support from the healthcare. Adequate information, access to health care professionals and to be treated with respect were the most valuable support from the professionals. The professionals can improve the psychosocial support by having knowledge of how they can identify relatives who need support and how they can support them.

Keywords: psychosocial support, relatives, cancer, qualitative content analysis