Symptom assessment of patients with advanced cancer and AIDS and their family caregivers: the results of a quality-of-life pilot study.

This longitudinal pilot study examined differences in demographic characteristics of 101 patients with advanced illness (cancer, AIDS) and 81 Family caregivers, evaluated the reliability of the Memorial Symptom Assessment Scale for these patients and their family caregivers; obtained preliminary data regarding similarities or differences in the symptom experience oF these patients and their family caregivers and changes in symptoms over time; and identified demographic variables that may be potential covariates related to the symptom experience. All demographic variables were significantly different for patients with advanced cancer and AIDS, and their symptom experience is similar only with regard to psychologic symptoms; however, based on the Memorial Symptom Assessment Scale, cancer and AIDS patients and their family caregivers have similar symptom experiences, indicating the need for palliative care for both patients and family. Further research is needed to establish the reliability of the Memorial Symptom Assessment Scale for use with family caregivers.