Ruth Pethybridge1, Laisa Teleni2, Raymond Javan Chan3. 1. School of Nursing and Cancer and Palliative Care Outcomes Centre, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Australia; Princess Alexandra Hospital, Metro South Hospital and Health Services, Brisbane, Australia. Electronic address: ruth.pethybridge@health.qld.gov.au. 2. School of Nursing and Cancer and Palliative Care Outcomes Centre, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Australia. Electronic address: laisa.teleni@qut.edu.au. 3. School of Nursing and Cancer and Palliative Care Outcomes Centre, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Australia; Princess Alexandra Hospital, Metro South Hospital and Health Services, Brisbane, Australia. Electronic address: raymond.chan@qut.edu.au.
Abstract
PURPOSE: The family-caregiver role is of critical importance to the success of symptom-related self-management of patients with advanced cancer. This study examined the perspectives of patients and family-caregivers regarding the role of the family-caregiver in symptom-related self-management support ( SMS). METHODS: Semi-structured interviews were conducted in patients with advanced cancer experiencing significant symptom burden and their family-caregivers. An inductive content analysis approach was used to analyse data. RESULTS: Eleven patients and ten family caregivers were included. Identified themes were 1) engaging in specific symptom-related SMS; 2) interacting with health care professionals; and 3) balancing patient need versus expectation. These themes were applicable to both the family-caregiver and patient cohorts, regardless of the individual symptom profile of each patient. CONCLUSIONS: The role of family-caregivers of patients with advanced cancer is complex and varied in providing symptom-related SMS at home; often requiring family-caregivers to have diverse knowledge and skills in the management of a range of cancer-related symptoms. Health care professionals can support family-caregivers by anticipating needs, tailoring evidence-based information to those needs, and ensuring family-caregivers have an appropriate contact point for advice or help. Crown
PURPOSE: The family-caregiver role is of critical importance to the success of symptom-related self-management of patients with advanced cancer. This study examined the perspectives of patients and family-caregivers regarding the role of the family-caregiver in symptom-related self-management support ( SMS). METHODS: Semi-structured interviews were conducted in patients with advanced cancer experiencing significant symptom burden and their family-caregivers. An inductive content analysis approach was used to analyse data. RESULTS: Eleven patients and ten family caregivers were included. Identified themes were 1) engaging in specific symptom-related SMS; 2) interacting with health care professionals; and 3) balancing patient need versus expectation. These themes were applicable to both the family-caregiver and patient cohorts, regardless of the individual symptom profile of each patient. CONCLUSIONS: The role of family-caregivers of patients with advanced cancer is complex and varied in providing symptom-related SMS at home; often requiring family-caregivers to have diverse knowledge and skills in the management of a range of cancer-related symptoms. Health care professionals can support family-caregivers by anticipating needs, tailoring evidence-based information to those needs, and ensuring family-caregivers have an appropriate contact point for advice or help. Crown
Authors: Valentina Donison; Nelly Toledano; Avital Sigal; Katherine S McGilton; Shabbir M H Alibhai; Martine Puts Journal: Support Care Cancer Date: 2022-06-04 Impact factor: 3.359