Sara L Douglas1, Polly Mazanec2, Amy R Lipson2, Kim Day3, Eric Blackstone2, David L Bajor4, Joel Saltzman5, Smitha Krishnamurthi6. 1. School of Nursing and Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH. 2. Case Western Reserve University, School of Nursing, Cleveland, OH. 3. Independent Contractor, Cleveland, OH. 4. Seidman Cancer Center and Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, Cleveland, OH. 5. Lake Health UH Seidman Cancer Center and Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, Mentor, OH. 6. Taussig Cancer Center and Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, Cleveland, OH.
Abstract
PURPOSE: Approximately 20% of caregivers (CGs) live > 1 hour away from the patient and are considered distance caregivers (DCGs) who often report higher distress and anxiety than local CGs. The purpose of this study was to test the effectiveness of an intervention aimed at reducing anxiety and distress in DCGs of patients with cancer. METHODS: This randomized controlled trial enrolled DCGs of patients with all cancer types who were being seen monthly by oncologists in outpatient clinics. There were three arms of the intervention delivered over a 4-month period: arm 1 (a) received 4 monthly videoconference-tailored coaching sessions with an advanced practice nurse or social worker focused on information and support, (b) participated in patient's appointments with the oncologist via videoconference over the 4-month study period, and (c) had access to a website designed for DCGs. Arm 2 did not receive the coaching sessions but received the other two components, and arm 3 received access to the DCG website only. RESULTS: There were 302 DCGs who provided pre- and postintervention data. There were significant anxiety by group (P = .028 and r = 0.16) and distress by group interactions (P = .014 and r = 0.17). Arm 1 had the greatest percentage of DCGs who demonstrated improvement in anxiety (18.6%) and distress (25.2%). CONCLUSION: Coaching and use of videoconference technology (to join the DCG into the patient-oncologist office visit) were effective in reducing both anxiety and distress for DCGs. These components could be considered for local CGs who-with COVID-19-are unable to accompany the patient to oncologist visits.
PURPOSE: Approximately 20% of caregivers (CGs) live > 1 hour away from the patient and are considered distance caregivers (DCGs) who often report higher distress and anxiety than local CGs. The purpose of this study was to test the effectiveness of an intervention aimed at reducing anxiety and distress in DCGs of patients with cancer. METHODS: This randomized controlled trial enrolled DCGs of patients with all cancer types who were being seen monthly by oncologists in outpatient clinics. There were three arms of the intervention delivered over a 4-month period: arm 1 (a) received 4 monthly videoconference-tailored coaching sessions with an advanced practice nurse or social worker focused on information and support, (b) participated in patient's appointments with the oncologist via videoconference over the 4-month study period, and (c) had access to a website designed for DCGs. Arm 2 did not receive the coaching sessions but received the other two components, and arm 3 received access to the DCG website only. RESULTS: There were 302 DCGs who provided pre- and postintervention data. There were significant anxiety by group (P = .028 and r = 0.16) and distress by group interactions (P = .014 and r = 0.17). Arm 1 had the greatest percentage of DCGs who demonstrated improvement in anxiety (18.6%) and distress (25.2%). CONCLUSION: Coaching and use of videoconference technology (to join the DCG into the patient-oncologist office visit) were effective in reducing both anxiety and distress for DCGs. These components could be considered for local CGs who-with COVID-19-are unable to accompany the patient to oncologist visits.
Authors: Paul A Harris; Robert Taylor; Robert Thielke; Jonathon Payne; Nathaniel Gonzalez; Jose G Conde Journal: J Biomed Inform Date: 2008-09-30 Impact factor: 6.317
Authors: Laurel L Northouse; Maria C Katapodi; Lixin Song; Lingling Zhang; Darlene W Mood Journal: CA Cancer J Clin Date: 2010-08-13 Impact factor: 508.702
Authors: Joseph E Gaugler; Jeanette Linder; Charles W Given; Ritesh Kataria; Galina Tucker; William F Regine Journal: J Fam Nurs Date: 2009-09-23 Impact factor: 3.818
Authors: Diana Zwahlen; Niels Hagenbuch; Margaret I Carley; Christopher J Recklitis; Stefan Buchi Journal: Psychooncology Date: 2008-10 Impact factor: 3.894
Authors: Margaret L Longacre; Allison J Applebaum; Joanne S Buzaglo; Melissa F Miller; Mitch Golant; Julia H Rowland; Barbara Given; Bonnie Dockham; Laurel Northouse Journal: Transl Behav Med Date: 2018-03-01 Impact factor: 3.046
Authors: Nneka N Ufere; Jan Hinson; Simon Finnigan; Elizabeth E Powell; John Donlan; Cathy Martin; Phil Clark; Patricia C Valery Journal: Curr Treat Options Gastroenterol Date: 2022-04-19
Authors: Vanessa Bertuzzi; Michelle Semonella; Denise Bruno; Chiara Manna; Julian Edbrook-Childs; Emanuele M Giusti; Gianluca Castelnuovo; Giada Pietrabissa Journal: Int J Environ Res Public Health Date: 2021-06-28 Impact factor: 3.390