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Birkhoff S, Donovan H, Lee YJ. Informing a Future Clinician-Led Virtual Reality Experience Through Oncology Caregivers' Pre-Treatment Preparation Experiences. Dela J Public Health 2024; 10:30-35. [PMID: 39211407 PMCID: PMC11356583 DOI: 10.32481/djph.2024.08.09] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Purpose The purpose of this study was to 1) describe oncology caregivers' pre-treatment preparation experiences, 2) elicit their feedback about approaches to improve the pre-treatment preparation experience, and 3) explore the potential use of visual aids into the pre-treatment education experience that will inform future clinician-led VR experiences. Methods Using a qualitative descriptive design and convenience sampling technique, adult oncology caregivers were recruited to complete anonymous demographic and qualitative surveys posted on social media sites (i.e. American Cancer Society, Facebook, and LinkedIn) and a university supported community research registry (i.e. Pitt + Me). Demographic data were calculated using descriptive analyses (frequency and percentage) and qualitative data were analyzed using an inductive coding approach. Results Participants (N=18) were mostly female (n=13, 72%), white (n=14, 78%), married (n=14, 78%), and had a college degree or higher (n=16, 89%). They categorically ranged in age from 26 years to above 65 years, with the majority (n=11, 61%) between 36-55 years of age. Caregivers described the cancer information as overwhelming and in need of additional side effect information and emotional support. To meet their unmet needs, participants suggested providing additional resources, different approaches to learning, better explanation of processes and procedures, diverse emotional support, and more interactions with the oncology team. Conclusion Clinician created VR experiences designed for and informed by oncology caregivers do not exist yet. VR could provide an alternative pediogogical approach to complement standard oncology treatment preparation. These study findings begin the exploration into innovative preparation approaches that could meet oncology caregivers' unmet emotional and educational needs during a stressful period. Key Highlights There is a dearth of clinicians creating and testing VR experiences for patients, let alone caregivers. Oncology caregivers are the unseen 'backbone' supporting their loved one and providing an innovative modality to support them could improve outcomes. VR has the potential improve outcomes for caregivers, which may improve outcomes for patients.
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Kardosod A, Needham J, Coyne E. The experiences and needs of metastatic spinal cancer family caregivers at home: a systematic review. Support Care Cancer 2023; 31:310. [PMID: 37119292 PMCID: PMC10148781 DOI: 10.1007/s00520-023-07777-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2023] [Accepted: 04/21/2023] [Indexed: 05/01/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Family caregivers have high responsibilities for caring for persons with metastatic spinal cancer; however, understanding the experiences and needs of family caregivers face to overall recent, what is nurse-led could support them to meet their needs appropriately? Thus, the study aimed to review the experiences and needs of metastatic spinal cancer caregivers at home in the past decades. METHODS A qualitative systematic review of 8 studies was undertaken. Analysed studies were conducted in different countries (Australia, Cyprus, Italy, Kenya, Pakistan, Thailand, and Turkey), covering a population of 92 caregivers. Thematic analysis was applied to identify family caregiver experiences and needs. RESULTS Thematic analysis identified four key themes from the included studies: (1) complexity of needs, (2) caregivers' role and physical needs, (3) complexity of psychosocial needs, and (4) understanding supportive care. CONCLUSIONS The results across 8 different countries indicate that family caregivers of metastatic spinal cancer commonly face diverse challenges in many diverse geographical contexts across cultures, requiring biomedical, practical, physical, and psychosocial support from healthcare systems within the matrix of broader challenges and resources available to improve supportive care for such service users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Apichat Kardosod
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Griffith University, Logan Campus, University Dr, QLD, Meadowbrook, Australia
| | - Judith Needham
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Griffith University, Logan Campus, University Dr, QLD, Meadowbrook, Australia
| | - Elisabeth Coyne
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Griffith University, Logan Campus, University Dr, QLD, Meadowbrook, Australia
- Menzies Health Institute, Griffith University, Queensland, Australia
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Bergerot CD, Wang AWT, Csaba DL, Bahcivan O, Kim Y. Cancer Patients' Unmet Needs in Three Low- to Middle- Income Countries: Perspectives from Health Care Providers. Cancer Invest 2023; 41:1-8. [PMID: 36621937 PMCID: PMC10349901 DOI: 10.1080/07357907.2023.2167210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2022] [Revised: 12/14/2022] [Accepted: 01/08/2023] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
We sought to determine differences by low- and middle- income countries (Brazil, Romania, and Turkiye) on the degree to which health care providers (HCPs) note unmet needs among patients with cancer (N = 741). HCPs endorsed sexuality/intimacy and financial concerns as the most common. Investigating age differences in unmet needs between Brazil and Turkiye, were that should be targeted by. Results revealed that unmet needs to manage emotional distress were higher among older patients in Turkiye, whereas unmet needs to manage insomnia/fatigue were higher among pediatric patients in Brazil. Findings may guide the development of programs to address unmet needs among patients.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Dégi L. Csaba
- Faculty of Sociology and Social Work, Babes-Bolyai University, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Ozan Bahcivan
- Psiko-Onkologlar Dernegi (Turkish Psycho-Oncological Association), Izmir, Turkiye
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Kim Y, Ting A, Carver CS, Bahcivan O, Bergerot CD, Csaba D, Estape T, Fujisawa D, Goswami SS, Lam WWT, Parvu A, Shim EJ, Serpentini S, Takeuchi E, Wang A. International collaboration for assessing unmet needs of cancer survivors and family caregivers: Lens of healthcare professionals. Psychooncology 2023; 32:77-85. [PMID: 36251612 PMCID: PMC10741249 DOI: 10.1002/pon.6051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2022] [Revised: 08/07/2022] [Accepted: 09/28/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Cancer patients and their family caregivers have reported various needs that are not met. Recognition of the unmet needs by healthcare professionals may be a first step to adequately and systematically addressing them. Thus, the International Psycho-Oncology Society Survivorship Online Survey was developed to measure healthcare professionals' evaluation about the unmet needs of their patients and family caregivers around the globe. METHODS The survey was developed in English and translated to additional 14 different languages. The survey was distributed on the web-based REDCap application to over 50 psycho-oncology societies and their networking platforms as well as social media and to authors who have published in psycho-oncology journals globally. RESULTS A total of 1472 participants from 36 countries at least partially completed the survey. Healthcare professionals evaluated needs for managing one's emotional distress and patients' medical care and symptoms as the most common concerns for both patients and their family caregivers across all patient age groups. Less than two-thirds of the participating healthcare professionals reported that their institution had services or programs to address the needs of the patients or caregivers. CONCLUSIONS Findings suggest several directions for further analyses to provide more specific information that would be readily translated into clinical practices, research, and policy aimed to enhance the quality of life of cancer patients, survivors, and family caregivers around the globe. In addition, this collaborative effort also hints at the importance of establishing international networks to promote equity in care for people touched by cancer worldwide.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Amanda Ting
- University of Miami, Coral Gables, Florida, USA
| | | | - Ozan Bahcivan
- Psycho-Oncological Association and Oz Psychology Family Counseling Centre, Izmir, Turkey
| | | | - Degi Csaba
- Babeș-Bolyai University, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Tania Estape
- Fundación para La Educación y La Formación en Cáncer, Barcelona, Spain
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Emi Takeuchi
- National Cancer Center, Cancer Control Institute, Tokyo, Japan
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Wang AWT, Kim Y, Ting A, Lam WWT, Lambert SD. Healthcare professionals' perspectives on the unmet needs of cancer patients and family caregivers: global psycho-oncology investigation. Support Care Cancer 2022; 31:36. [PMID: 36520223 DOI: 10.1007/s00520-022-07478-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2022] [Accepted: 11/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE This international study aimed to compare healthcare professionals' perspectives on the unmet needs of their cancer patients with those of family caregivers and to investigate the degree to which patients' age group moderates the associations. METHODS Healthcare professionals involved in the care for cancer patients and their family caregivers were invited to participate in the International Psycho-Oncology Society (IPOS) Survivorship Online Survey. A total of 397 healthcare professionals from 34 countries provided valid study data. The participants evaluated whether the unmet need was the same for all age groups of patients and the degree of their patients' needs not being met per patients' age group. They evaluated the same questions for family caregivers. RESULTS Patients' unmet needs in medical care were evaluated as greater than those of caregivers across all age groups. On the other hand, pediatric patients' unmet needs for spiritual concerns, sexuality/intimacy, and insomnia/fatigue were evaluated as greater than those of caregivers, whereas adolescent and young adult patients' unmet needs for symptom management were greater than those of caregivers. Patients' other unmet needs were evaluated as comparable with those of caregivers regardless of age groups. CONCLUSION The findings provide insights how best healthcare providers stratify resources to address the unmet needs of patients and caregivers by the patients' age. Development of systematic assessment of unmet needs and provision of interventions tailored for patients' lifespan to address the unmet needs of cancer patients, and caregivers are warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashley Wei-Ting Wang
- Department of Psychology, Soochow University, No. 70, Linxi Rd, Shilin District, Taipei City, 111, Taiwan.
| | - Youngmee Kim
- Department of Psychology, University of Miami, 5665 Ponce de Leon Blvd, Coral Gables, FL, 33146, USA.
| | - Amanda Ting
- Department of Psychology, University of Miami, 5665 Ponce de Leon Blvd, Coral Gables, FL, 33146, USA
| | | | - Sylvie D Lambert
- Ingram School of Nursing, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- St. Mary's Research Centre, Halifax, Canada
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Torres Blasco N, Costas Muñiz R, Zamore C, Porter L, Claros M, Bernal G, Shen MJ, Breitbart W, Castro EM. Cultural adaptation of meaning-centered psychotherapy for latino families: a protocol. BMJ Open 2022; 12:e045487. [PMID: 35379609 PMCID: PMC8981324 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2020-045487] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Literature suggests couple-based interventions that target quality of life and communication can lead to positive outcomes for patients with cancer and their partners. Nevertheless, to date, an intervention to address the needs of Latino families coping with advanced cancer has not been developed. Meta-analytic evidence suggests that culturally adapted evidenced-based intervention targeting a specific cultural group is four times more effective. Our goal is to culturally adapt a novel psychosocial intervention protocol entitled 'Caregivers-Patients Support to Latinx coping advanced-cancer' (CASA). We hypothesised that combine two evidence-based interventions and adapting them, we will sustain a sense of meaning and improving communication as patients approach the end of life among the patient-caregiver dyad. METHODS AND ANALYSIS To culturally adapt CASA, we will follow an innovative hybrid research framework that combines elements of an efficacy model and best practices from the ecological validity model, adaptation process model and intervention mapping. As a first step, we adapt a novel psychosocial intervention protocol entitled protocol entitled 'Caregivers-Patients Support to Latinx coping advanced-cancer' (CASA). The initial CASA protocol integrates two empirically based interventions, meaning-centred psychotherapy and couple communication skills training. This is an exploratory and prepilot study, and it is not necessary for a size calculation. However, based on recommendations for exploratory studies of this nature, a priori size of 114 is selected. We will receive CASA protocol feedback (phase 1b: refine) by conducting 114 questionnaires and 15 semistructured interviews with patients with advanced cancer and their caregivers. The primary outcomes of this study will be identifying the foundational information needed to further the develop the CASA (phase IIa: proof-of-concept and phase IIb: pilot study). ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION The Institutional Review Board of Ponce Research Institute approved the study protocol #1907017527A002. Results will be disseminated through peer-reviewed publications.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Rosario Costas Muñiz
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Carolina Zamore
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Laura Porter
- Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Maria Claros
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Guillermo Bernal
- Professor of Psychology (Retired), Universidad de Puerto Rico, San Juan, Puerto Rico
| | | | - William Breitbart
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - E M Castro
- SBBS, Ponce Health Sciences University, Ponce, Puerto Rico
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Bining M, Wasserman S, Brahim LO, Belzile E, Magalhaes M, Lambert SD. An Evaluation of Publicly Available Smartphone Apps to Support Unpaid Cancer Caregivers. J Pain Symptom Manage 2022; 63:430-439. [PMID: 34606930 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2021.09.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2021] [Revised: 09/23/2021] [Accepted: 09/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT With advancements in mobile technology and increased access to smartphones, the use of Mobile Health applications (apps) has surged. These apps provide an innovative avenue for supporting cancer caregivers who face increasing burden and lack formal support; however, the quality of these apps has not been formally evaluated. OBJECTIVES Evaluate the quality, usefulness, therapeutic potential, and security of publicly available apps to support unpaid cancer caregivers in managing their roles and responsibilities. METHODS Cancer caregiving apps were identified through a search of the Apple and Google Play stores in October 2020. Two authors evaluated the apps using 1) the Mobile App Rating Scale (MARS) tool for quality, 2) complementary sections of Enlight for therapeutic persuasiveness and alliance, security and privacy, and 3) an unmet needs checklist to assess usefulness. Analyses were undertaken to identify high-scoring apps. RESULTS Overall, 24 apps were evaluated by two authors (MB, SW). Across the sample, the mean quality score (MARS) was adequate at 65.7% (3.3/5.0, SD = .5, range: 2.3-4.2). The combined score for therapeutic persuasiveness and alliance (Enlight) was fair at 60.7% (3.0/5.0, SD = .8, range: 1.1-4.5), and the privacy and security checklists yielded means of 79.3% (6.3/8.0, SD = 1.4, range: 50.0%-100.0%) and 41.3% (1.7/4.0, SD = 1.4, range: 0.0-100.0%), respectively. The unmet needs checklist was 43.2% (SD = 5.3, range: 9.4%-69.7%). A hierarchical cluster analysis identified 12 high scoring apps. CONCLUSION Superior cluster apps scored acceptably for quality and privacy and low for security and usefulness. Findings will assist clinicians, caregivers, and families identify apps to support cancer caregivers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mira Bining
- Ingram School of Nursing (M.B., S.W., L.O.B., S.D.L.), McGill University, Montreal, Canada.
| | - Sydney Wasserman
- Ingram School of Nursing (M.B., S.W., L.O.B., S.D.L.), McGill University, Montreal, Canada
| | - Lydia Ould Brahim
- Ingram School of Nursing (M.B., S.W., L.O.B., S.D.L.), McGill University, Montreal, Canada
| | - Eric Belzile
- St. Mary's Research Centre (E.B., M.M., S.D.L.), Montreal, Canada
| | - Mona Magalhaes
- St. Mary's Research Centre (E.B., M.M., S.D.L.), Montreal, Canada
| | - Sylvie D Lambert
- Ingram School of Nursing (M.B., S.W., L.O.B., S.D.L.), McGill University, Montreal, Canada; St. Mary's Research Centre (E.B., M.M., S.D.L.), Montreal, Canada
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Raj M, Gupta V, Hoodin F, Clingan C, Roslin C, Yahng L, Braun T, Choi SW. Evaluating mobile Health technology use among cancer caregivers in the digital era. Digit Health 2022; 8:20552076221109071. [PMID: 35769358 PMCID: PMC9234853 DOI: 10.1177/20552076221109071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2022] [Revised: 05/10/2022] [Accepted: 06/06/2022] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Digital health technology-based interventions have the potential to support cancer caregivers in caregiving responsibilities and in managing their own health and well-being. The objective of this study was to examine the association between caregiving characteristics and different types of digital health technologies used in a national sample of caregivers of patients undergoing hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT). Methods We conducted an online, cross-sectional survey of 948 HCT caregivers. Results Spousal caregivers comprised nearly one-third of respondents (27.1%) with a median age of 59 years (range: 18-80 years), compared with parents (32.9%: 38 years), adult children (28.9%: 38 years), and other (11.1%; e.g. friend, other family member: 36 years). Almost two-thirds (65.4%) of all respondents reported using an app for fitness or step counting and 41.3% reported using a smartwatch. However, spousal caregivers were the least likely group to use mobile apps (0.72; P < 0.005) or smartwatches (OR = 0.46; P < 0.005) compared with parent caregivers in models adjusted for demographics and coping style. Caregiving for six months or greater was associated with the use of fewer apps compared with caregiving for less than six months in adjusted models (OR = 0.80, P < 0.005). Caregivers of patients receiving an allogeneic transplant (i.e. non-self-donor) used more apps on average than caregivers of patients receiving an autologous transplant (i.e. self-donor) in adjusted models (OR = 1.36, P < 0.005). Conclusion Digital health technologies reflect promising avenues for supporting cancer caregivers. While digital technologies are becoming increasingly pervasive, older caregivers remain an underserved population. Future research should integrate older adult caregivers in the co-design and development activities of technology-driven caregiver support products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minakshi Raj
- Department of Kinesiology and Community Health, University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign, Champaign, IL, 61820, USA
| | - Vibhuti Gupta
- Department of Computer Science & Data Science, School of Applied Computational Sciences, Meharry Medical College, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Flora Hoodin
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Caroline Clingan
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Chloe Roslin
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Lilian Yahng
- Center for Survey Research, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA
| | - Thomas Braun
- Department of Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Sung Won Choi
- Department of Computer Science & Data Science, School of Applied Computational Sciences, Meharry Medical College, Nashville, TN, USA
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Raj M, Gupta V, Hoodin F, Yahng L, Braun T, Choi SW. Evaluating health technology engagement among family caregivers of patients undergoing hematopoietic cell transplantation. RESEARCH SQUARE 2021. [PMID: 34013246 PMCID: PMC8132239 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-427058/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Purpose: Digital health technology-based interventions have the potential to support caregivers in their caregiving responsibilities and in managing their own health and well-being. Designing digital health technologies to support caregivers of patients undergoing hematopoietic cell transplantation requires evaluating their engagement with these technologies. The objective of this study was to examine the association between caregiving characteristics and different types of digital health technologies used. Methods: We conducted an online cross-sectional, national survey of 948 unpaid family caregivers of patients undergoing hematopoietic cell transplantation. Results: Almost two-thirds (65.4%) of respondents reported using an app for fitness or step counting, while 41.3% reported using a smartwatch. The average number of apps used was 3.3 (range 0-9). In adjusted models, adult children who were caregivers (OR=5.82, p<0.005) and caregivers of another relative (OR=2.51, p<0.005) were significantly more likely to use a fitness tracker than caregivers of a child. Caregiving for six months or greater was associated with use of fewer apps compared with caregiving for less than six months in adjusted models (OR=0.80, p<0.005). Caregivers of patients receiving an allogeneic transplant used more apps on average than caregivers of patients receiving an autologous transplant, in adjusted (OR=1.36, p<0.005) models. Conclusion: Digital health technologies may reflect promising avenues for supporting caregivers of patients undergoing HCT. The rapid insurgence of telehealth, propelled by the current COVID-19 pandemic, emphasizes the need for a better understanding of digital health technology for future study design.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Sung Won Choi
- University of Michigan Medicine: University of Michigan Michigan Medicine
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Denham AMJ, Wynne O, Baker AL, Spratt NJ, Turner A, Magin P, Palazzi K, Bonevski B. An online survey of informal caregivers' unmet needs and associated factors. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0243502. [PMID: 33301483 PMCID: PMC7728235 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0243502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2020] [Accepted: 11/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to assess the frequency of unmet needs of carers among a convenience sample of carers, and the participant factors associated with unmet needs, to inform the development of interventions that will support a range of caregivers. The aims of this study were to: (1) assess the most frequently reported moderate-high unmet needs of caregivers; and (2) examine the age, gender, condition of the care recipient, and country variables associated with types of unmet needs reported by informal caregivers. RESEARCH METHOD/DESIGN An online cross-sectional survey among informal caregivers in English-speaking countries was conducted. Self-reported unmet needs were assessed using an unmet needs measure with the following five unmet needs domains: (1) Health information and support for care recipient; (2) Health service management; (3) Communication and relationship; (4) Self-care; and (5) Support services accessibility. Informal caregivers were asked "In the last month, what was your level of need for help with…", and the ten highest ranked moderate-high unmet needs presented as ranked proportions. Logistic regression modelling examined the factors associated with types of unmet needs. RESULTS Overall, 457 caregivers were included in the final analysis. Seven of the ten highest ranked unmet needs experienced by caregivers in the last month were in the Self-care domain, including "Reducing stress in your life" (74.1%). Significant associations were found between younger caregiver age (18-45 years) and reporting moderate-high unmet needs in Health Information and support for care recipient, Health service management, and Support services accessibility (all p's = <0.05). CONCLUSIONS/IMPLICATIONS Caregivers are not experiencing significant differences in unmet needs between countries and caree/care recipient conditions, suggesting that general interventions could be developed to support a range of caregivers across countries. Increased awareness of informal caregivers' unmet needs, particularly for younger caregivers, among health care providers may improve support provision to caregivers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra M. J. Denham
- School of Medicine and Public Health, Faculty of Health and Medicine, University of Newcastle & Hunter Medical Research Institute, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
- Priority Research Centre for Stroke and Brain Injury, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia
- * E-mail:
| | - Olivia Wynne
- School of Medicine and Public Health, Faculty of Health and Medicine, University of Newcastle & Hunter Medical Research Institute, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
| | - Amanda L. Baker
- School of Medicine and Public Health, Faculty of Health and Medicine, University of Newcastle & Hunter Medical Research Institute, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
| | - Neil J. Spratt
- Priority Research Centre for Stroke and Brain Injury, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
- Department of Neurology, Hunter New England Local Health District, John Hunter Hospital, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia
| | - Alyna Turner
- School of Medicine and Public Health, Faculty of Health and Medicine, University of Newcastle & Hunter Medical Research Institute, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
- Deakin University, IMPACT Strategic Research Centre, School of Medicine, Barwon Health, Geelong, Victoria, Australia
| | - Parker Magin
- School of Medicine and Public Health, Faculty of Health and Medicine, University of Newcastle & Hunter Medical Research Institute, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
| | - Kerrin Palazzi
- HMRI Clinical Research Design and Statistics (CReDITSS), Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia
| | - Billie Bonevski
- School of Medicine and Public Health, Faculty of Health and Medicine, University of Newcastle & Hunter Medical Research Institute, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
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