Enhancing Role Preparedness for Cancer Patient Caregivers

Abstract

Purpose – To evaluate the effectiveness of providing cancer support training inclusive of; education, stress coping strategies, and local and national resources to increase preparedness level to confidently deliver care. Background – Cancer caregivers take on many challenges and responsibilities of the cancer trajectory, most often neglecting their own selfcare needs. Prolonged negligence from the caregiver and healthcare system, yields to adverse psychological and physical health outcomes. Research reveals how caregivers report the need for providers to acknowledge their well-being. Assistance through training sessions, support groups, or mobile applications, has been associated with increased preparedness and reduced role strain. This project focused on providing caregivers the most asked for information to be well-equipped for cancer caregiving. Methods – A total of seven participants were selected at UC San Diego Health Radiation Oncology by reading the referring physician’s note if the patient has a caregiver or having the administrative assistant ask the patient if he/she would be accompanied by a caregiver for their consultation. A caregiver educational session was provided including specific cancer symptom management during radiation therapy, nutrition management, stress coping mechanisms, local and national support resources, and time for questions. The Modified Caregiver Strain Index (MCSI) tool was administered identifying role strain levels. Participants were asked to complete the post-survey questionnaire and a one-month follow-up survey to determine preparedness and usefulness of the intervention. Data analysis was completed through descriptive statistics, central tendency, and a t-test of a paired two sample. Results – All seven participants completed the MCSI tool and post-caregiver training survey (100% response rate), and two participants completed the one-month follow-up survey (28.6% response rate). The findings revealed majority of caregivers experienced strain in various domains of life with highest in disturbed sleep and family, work, and personal adjustments. All participants reported how the training was beneficial and aided in their preparation as a cancer caregiver. Conclusions – The results collected demonstrated how beneficial caregiver support services are in the promotion of caregiver preparedness level. Utilizing an instrument, such as the Modified Caregiver, provided valuable insight in the most straining areas of caregiving.