Virginia Sun1, Martine Puts2, Kristen Haase3, Sophie Pilleron4, Michelle Hannan5, Schroder Sattar6, Fay J Strohschein7. 1. Associate Professor, Department of Population Sciences and Department of Surgery, City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center, Duarte, CA, US. Electronic address: vsun@coh.org. 2. Lawrence S. Bloomberg Faculty of Nursing, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada. 3. Assistant Professor, Faculty of Applied Science, School of Nursing, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada. 4. Nuffield Department of Population Health, Big Data Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK. 5. Advanced Practice Nurse Practitioner, Geriatric Oncology, Medical Oncology Department, University Hospital, Waterford, Ireland. 6. Assistant Professor, College of Nursing, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Canada. 7. Postdoctoral Associate, Faculty of Nursing, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada.
Abstract
OBJECTIVES: To provide an overview on the role of family caregivers (FCGs) in the care of older adults with cancer and review quality of life needs for FCGs. DATA SOURCES: Journal articles, research reports, state of the science papers, position papers, and clinical guidelines from professional organizations were used. CONCLUSION: The high prevalence of multiple comorbidities and the associated burden of geriatric events in older adults have a substantial impact on the quality of life of their FCGs. Practical and efficient models of comprehensive assessment, interventions, and caregiving preparedness support are needed to improve outcomes for both older adults with cancer and their FCGs. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE: Oncology nurses practicing in clinical and research settings have a responsibility to prepare themselves with evidence-based knowledge and resources to include the needs of FCGs in the care provided to older adults with cancer.
OBJECTIVES: To provide an overview on the role of family caregivers (FCGs) in the care of older adults with cancer and review quality of life needs for FCGs. DATA SOURCES: Journal articles, research reports, state of the science papers, position papers, and clinical guidelines from professional organizations were used. CONCLUSION: The high prevalence of multiple comorbidities and the associated burden of geriatric events in older adults have a substantial impact on the quality of life of their FCGs. Practical and efficient models of comprehensive assessment, interventions, and caregiving preparedness support are needed to improve outcomes for both older adults with cancer and their FCGs. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE: Oncology nurses practicing in clinical and research settings have a responsibility to prepare themselves with evidence-based knowledge and resources to include the needs of FCGs in the care provided to older adults with cancer.