Themes

Codes

Pitceathly and Maguire 2003

Mossin and Landmark 2011

Li et al. 2013

Moser et al. 2013

Li and Loke 2013

Kimberlin et al. 2004

Sercekus et al. 2014

Stenberg et al. 2010

Kim and Carver 2007

Braun et al. 2007

Nijboer et al. 2000

Morgan et al. 2011

Quality of marital relationship

1A. Masking feelings

1B. Marital difficulties

1C. Reciprocal influence

1D. Carer patient congruence

1E. Attachment orientation

1F. Personal satisfaction

Effective communication

2A. Communication between couple

2B. Communication between HCP & couple

2C. Couple needs for information

2D. Education of patient and carer

Carers’ burden and need for support

3A. Caring tasks

3B. physical effects

3C. Social effects

3D. Psychological effects