1
|
Yang X, Li X, Jiang S, Yu X. Effects of Telemedicine on Informal Caregivers of Patients in Palliative Care: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. JMIR Mhealth Uhealth 2024; 12:e54244. [PMID: 38602303 PMCID: PMC11024400 DOI: 10.2196/54244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2023] [Revised: 02/28/2024] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 04/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Telemedicine technology is a rapidly developing field that shows immense potential for improving medical services. In palliative care, informal caregivers assume the primary responsibility in patient care and often face challenges such as increased physical and mental stress and declining health. In such cases, telemedicine interventions can provide support and improve their health outcomes. However, research findings regarding the use of telemedicine among informal caregivers are controversial, and the efficacy of telemedicine remains unclear. Objective This study aimed to evaluate the impacts of telemedicine on the burden, anxiety, depression, and quality of life of informal caregivers of patients in palliative care. Methods A systematic literature search was conducted using the PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, CENTRAL, PsycINFO, CINAHL Plus with Full Text, CBM, CNKI, WanFang, and VIP databases to identify relevant randomized controlled trials published from inception to March 2023. Two authors independently screened the studies and extracted the relevant information. The methodological quality of the included studies was assessed using the Cochrane risk-of-bias tool. Intervention effects were estimated and sensitivity analysis was conducted using Review Manager 5.4, whereas 95% prediction intervals (PIs) were calculated using R (version 4.3.2) and RStudio. Results A total of 9 randomized controlled trials were included in this study. The meta-analysis indicated that telemedicine has reduced the caregiving burden (standardized mean differences [SMD] -0.49, 95% CI -0.72 to -0.27; P<.001; 95% PI -0.86 to -0.13) and anxiety (SMD -0.23, 95% CI -0.40 to -0.06; P=.009; 95% PI -0.98 to 0.39) of informal caregivers; however, it did not affect depression (SMD -0.21, 95% CI -0.47 to 0.05; P=.11; 95% PI -0.94 to 0.51) or quality of life (SMD 0.35, 95% CI -0.20 to 0.89; P=.21; 95% PI -2.15 to 2.85). Conclusions Although telemedicine can alleviate the caregiving burden and anxiety of informal caregivers, it does not significantly reduce depression or improve their quality of life. Further high-quality, large-sample studies are needed to validate the effects of telemedicine. Furthermore, personalized intervention programs based on theoretical foundations are required to support caregivers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyu Yang
- Department of Oncology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Xueting Li
- College of Nursing, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Shanshan Jiang
- College of Nursing, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Xinying Yu
- Department of Pediatrics, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Norinder M, Årestedt K, Axelsson L, Grande G, Ewing G, Alvariza A. Increased preparedness for caregiving among family caregivers in specialized home care by using the Carer Support Needs Assessment Tool Intervention. Palliat Support Care 2024; 22:236-242. [PMID: 37278216 DOI: 10.1017/s1478951523000639] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Family caregivers often feel insufficiently prepared for a caregiving role, experiencing challenges and demands related to care at home that may negatively affect their own quality of life. Supportive interventions have been shown to influence negative effects, but more studies are needed. Therefore, this study aims to explore potential effects of the Carer Support Needs Assessment Tool Intervention on preparedness, caregiver burden, and quality of life among Swedish family caregivers in specialized home care. METHODS The study had a pre-post intervention design and was conducted at 6 specialized home care services in Sweden. Family caregivers who received the intervention completed a questionnaire, including the Preparedness for caregiving scale, Caregiver Burden Scale, and Quality of Life in Life-Threatening Illness - Family carer version, at 2 time points, baseline and follow up, about 5 weeks later. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and Wilcoxon signed-rank test. RESULTS Altogether, 33 family caregivers completed the baseline and follow-up assessment. A majority were retired (n = 26, 81%) and women (n = 19, 58%) and two-fifths had a university degree (n = 13, 41%). The family caregivers had significantly increased their preparedness for caregiving between the baseline and follow-up assessment (Mdn = 18 vs. 20, p = 0.002). No significant changes were found on caregiver burden or quality of life. SIGNIFICANCE OF RESULTS The results add to knowledge regarding the Carer Support Needs Assessment Tool Intervention's potential to improve family caregiver outcomes. Findings suggest that the intervention may be used to improve the preparedness for caregiving and support among family caregivers in specialized home care.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maria Norinder
- Department of Health Care Sciences, Palliative Research Centre, Marie Cederschiöld University, Stockholm, Sweden
- Capio Palliative Care, Dalen Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Kristofer Årestedt
- Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Linnaeus University, Kalmar, Sweden
- Department of Research, Region Kalmar County, Kalmar, Sweden
| | - Lena Axelsson
- Department of Nursing Science, Sophiahemmet University, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Gunn Grande
- Division of Nursing, Midwifery & Social Care, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Gail Ewing
- Centre for Family Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Anette Alvariza
- Department of Health Care Sciences, Palliative Research Centre, Marie Cederschiöld University, Stockholm, Sweden
- Research and Development Unit/Palliative Care, Stockholms Sjukhem, Stockholm, Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Nysaeter TM, Olsson C, Sandsdalen T, Hov R, Larsson M. Family caregivers' preferences for support when caring for a family member with cancer in late palliative phase who wish to die at home - a grounded theory study. BMC Palliat Care 2024; 23:15. [PMID: 38212707 PMCID: PMC10782637 DOI: 10.1186/s12904-024-01350-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2023] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 01/13/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Family caregivers are essential in end-of-life care for cancer patients who wish to die at home. The knowledge is still limited regarding family caregivers needs and preferences for support and whether the preferences change during the patient's illness trajectory. Therefore, the aim was to explore family caregivers' preferences for support from home care services over time when caring for a family member with cancer at the end of life who wished to die at home. METHODS A qualitative method was applied according to Grounded Theory. Data was collected longitudinally over the illness trajectory by means of repeated individual interviews (n = 22) with adult family caregivers (n = 11). Sampling, data collection and data analysis were undertaken simultaneously in line with the constant comparative method. RESULTS The findings are captured in the core category "hold out in duty and love". The categories "having control and readiness for action" and "being involved in care" describe the family caregivers' preferences for being prepared and able to handle procedures, medical treatment and care, and to be involved by the healthcare personnel in the patient's care and decision making. The categories "being seen and confirmed" and "having a respite" describe family caregivers' preferences for support according to their own needs to be able to persevere in the situation. CONCLUSION Despite deterioration in the patient's illness and the increasing responsibility family caregiver struggle to hold out and focus on being in the present. Over time together with deterioration in the patient's illness and changes in the situation, they expressed a need for more intense and extensive support from the home care services. To meet the family caregivers' preferences for support a systematic implementation of a person-centred care model and multicomponent psycho- educational interventions performed by nurses can be proposed. Moreover, we suggest developing a tool based on the conceptual model generated in this study to identify and map family caregivers' needs and preferences for support. Such a tool can facilitate communication and ensure person-centred interventions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Toril Merete Nysaeter
- Department of Health and Nursing Sciences, Inland Norway University of Applied Sciences, Elverum, 2400, Norway.
| | - Cecilia Olsson
- Department of Health Sciences, Karlstad University SE, Karlstad, Sweden
- Department of Bachelor Education in Nursing, Lovisenberg Diaconal University College, Oslo, Norway
| | - Tuva Sandsdalen
- Department of Health and Nursing Sciences, Inland Norway University of Applied Sciences, Elverum, 2400, Norway
| | - Reidun Hov
- Department of Health and Nursing Sciences, Inland Norway University of Applied Sciences, Elverum, 2400, Norway
- Centre for Development of Institutional and Home Care Services (USHT), Inland (Hedmark), Hamar, Norway
| | - Maria Larsson
- Department of Health Sciences, Karlstad University SE, Karlstad, Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Yang L, Wei W, Wu Y, Zhu S, Zeng X, Wang R, Zhang M, Lin X, Zhou C. The experiences of caring for disabled older adults in long-term: A qualitative study from the perspective of spousal caregivers. Chronic Illn 2023; 19:848-861. [PMID: 36594348 DOI: 10.1177/17423953221148972] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To explore the care experiences of spouses as long-term and primary caregivers for disabled older adults in China. METHODS A descriptive phenomenological method was used in this study, as well as purposive and convenient sampling. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 15 spousal caregivers in Guangdong, China, from March to December 2021. Interview audio-recordings were transcribed verbatim and data were analyzed using Colaizzi's phenomenological analysis method. RESULTS We identified four themes from the data: spousal care motivation; sacrifices in caregiving; obstacles in caregiving; spousal caregivers' positive experiences. CONCLUSIONS Spouses took responsibility for providing care for their disabled partners regardless of their willingness. They had positive experiences while providing care, but negative experiences were dominant, especially for spouses of severely disabled older adults. Spouses are always perfect in caregiving roles, although they may also need medical assistance. To prevent a decline in spousal caregivers' quality of life and relieve their care burdens, health care providers should support them as soon as possible or offer formal care for disabled older adults. It is necessary to intervene considering disabled older adults and their spousal caregivers as a unit to empower their confidence in coping with life together.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lingli Yang
- Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, PR China
- School of Nursing, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, PR China
| | - Wei Wei
- Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, PR China
| | - Yanni Wu
- Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, PR China
| | - Shunfang Zhu
- Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, PR China
| | - Xiaoli Zeng
- Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, PR China
| | - Run Wang
- Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, PR China
- School of Nursing, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, PR China
| | - Mi Zhang
- Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, PR China
- School of Nursing, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, PR China
| | - Xiaolu Lin
- Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, PR China
- School of Nursing, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, PR China
| | - Chunlan Zhou
- Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, PR China
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Friedrichsen M, Waldréus N, Milovanovic M, Schaller AS, Jaarsma P, Jaarsma T. The responsibility to quench thirst by providing drinks when a relative is dying spouses' experience in specialist palliative home care. BMC Palliat Care 2023; 22:184. [PMID: 37981710 PMCID: PMC10658994 DOI: 10.1186/s12904-023-01306-1] [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: 09/20/2023] [Accepted: 11/10/2023] [Indexed: 11/21/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Thirst and dry mouth are common symptoms in terminally ill patients. It is known that family members usually request drips for their dying relative. Few studies have focused on thirst in terminally ill patients and their spouses' experience of this, leading to a knowledge gap in this area. AIM The aim of this study was to explore spouses' experiences of observing and managing thirst in a dying relative admitted to specialist palliative home care. METHODS A qualitative interview study with an inductive approach was conducted. Eighteen spouses caring for their husband or wife admitted to specialist palliative home care in different hospitals in Sweden were interviewed. The interviews were transcribed verbatim and analysed with a reflexive thematic analysis. RESULTS Three main themes emerged regarding spouses' experiences of patients' thirst: Knowledge and views of thirst; Control of fluid intake provides vital information; and Taking charge of their drinking is a life and death responsibility. CONCLUSIONS Spouses experience a responsibility to serve the dying person with fluids so that they will not get thirsty. It is so obvious and commonplace to them. To be able to fulfil this responsibility, they need to keep track of the patient's fluid intake and know what quenches thirst. There is a need for research in this area to assist carers and patients in identifying which drinks best quench the patient's thirst. Interventions are also needed to help provide/make available knowledge on suitable thirst-quenching drinks.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maria Friedrichsen
- Palliative Education and Research Centre, Vrinnevi Hospital, Norrköping, Sweden.
- Department of Health, Medicine and Caring Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden.
| | - Nana Waldréus
- Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Division of Nursing, Karolinska Institutet, Huddinge, Sweden
- Theme Inflammation and Aging, Karolinska University Hospital, Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Micha Milovanovic
- Department of Health, Medicine and Caring Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
- Department of Internal Medicine, Vrinnevi Hospital, Norrköping, Sweden
| | | | - Pier Jaarsma
- Department of Health, Medicine and Caring Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Tiny Jaarsma
- Department of Health, Medicine and Caring Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Norinder M, Axelsson L, Årestedt K, Grande G, Ewing G, Alvariza A. Family caregivers' experiences of discussing their needs with a nurse during specialised home care utilizing the carer support needs assessment tool intervention - A qualitative study. Eur J Oncol Nurs 2023; 66:102412. [PMID: 37742425 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejon.2023.102412] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2023] [Revised: 07/25/2023] [Accepted: 09/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/26/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE The Carer Support Needs Assessment Tool Intervention (CSNAT-I) was designed to help family caregivers identify, reflect upon, and express their support needs in a conversation with a health care professional and gain tailored support. The CSNAT-I has shown positive effects for both nurses and family caregivers but for more comprehensive understanding this study aims to examine family caregivers' experiences of discussing their needs with a nurse during specialised home care, utilizing the CSNAT-I. METHODS The study used an inductive qualitative descriptive design based on framework analysis. Data was collected using individual semi-structured telephone interviews with 10 family caregivers, with a median age of 66, from four specialised home care services. RESULTS Family caregivers appreciated having scheduled meetings with nurses utilizing the CSNAT-I which gave them an opportunity to focus on what was important to them. Family caregivers experienced that the conversations were co-created with a flexible dialogue. The conversations provided new perspectives and insights which helped in finding possible solutions. Family caregivers felt empowered by the co-created conversation and took on a more active role in involving the rest of their family to find support to themselves and the patients. CONCLUSION The CSNAT-I can facilitate communication between family caregivers and nurses leading to adequate supportive inputs. The intervention gives family caregivers an increased opportunity to be involved in their own support, which may enhance their sense of security. According to family caregivers' experiences, CSNAT-I may be an adequate way to support family caregivers to reflect and discuss their needs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maria Norinder
- Department of Health Care Sciences, Palliative Research Centre, Marie Cederschiöld University, Box 11189, 100 61, Stockholm, Sweden; Capio Palliative Care, Dalen Hospital, 121 87, Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Lena Axelsson
- Department of Nursing Science, Sophiahemmet University, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Kristofer Årestedt
- Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Linnaeus University, Kalmar, Sweden; Department of Research, Region Kalmar County, Kalmar, Sweden
| | - Gunn Grande
- Division of Nursing, Midwifery & Social Care, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Gail Ewing
- Centre for Family Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Anette Alvariza
- Department of Health Care Sciences, Palliative Research Centre, Marie Cederschiöld University, Box 11189, 100 61, Stockholm, Sweden; Department of Research and Development / Palliative Care, Stockholms Sjukhem, Stockholm, Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Valero-Cantero I, Casals C, Espinar-Toledo M, Barón-López FJ, García-Agua Soler N, Vázquez-Sánchez MÁ. Effects of Music on the Quality of Life of Family Caregivers of Terminal Cancer Patients: A Randomised Controlled Trial. Healthcare (Basel) 2023; 11:1985. [PMID: 37510427 PMCID: PMC10379219 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare11141985] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2023] [Revised: 07/06/2023] [Accepted: 07/07/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of listening to self-chosen music on the quality of life of family caregivers of cancer patients receiving palliative home care. A total of 82 family caregivers were assigned either to the intervention group (n = 41) or to the control group (n = 41) in this double-blind, multicentre, randomised controlled clinical trial. The recruitment period was between July 2020 and September 2021. The intervention group received individualised pre-recorded music in daily 30 min sessions for 7 consecutive days. The control group was given a recorded repetition of the basic therapeutic training education also in 30 min sessions for 7 consecutive days. The primary endpoint assessed was the caregivers' quality of life (Quality of Life Family Version and European Quality of Life visual analogue scale) before and after the intervention. The secondary endpoint was their perceived satisfaction with the intervention (Client Satisfaction Questionnaire). The music intervention was successful, producing a tangible improvement in the caregivers' quality of life (p < 0.01) and satisfaction with the care provided (p = 0.002). The intervention was not only effective but produced no adverse effects. This study encourages the use of self-chosen music as a complementary intervention in nursing care for family caregivers of palliative cancer patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Cristina Casals
- ExPhy Research Group, Department of Physical Education, Instituto de Investigación e Innovación Biomédica de Cádiz (INiBICA), Universidad de Cádiz, 11519 Puerto Real, Spain
| | - Milagrosa Espinar-Toledo
- Rincón de la Victoria Clinical Management Unit, Malaga-Guadalhorce Health District, 29730 Malaga, Spain
| | - Francisco Javier Barón-López
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Public Health and Science History, Institute of Biomedical Research in Málaga (IBIMA), University of Malaga, 29007 Malaga, Spain
| | | | - María Ángeles Vázquez-Sánchez
- Department of Nursing, Faculty of Health Sciences, PASOS Research Group, UMA REDIAS Network of Law and Artificial Intelligence Applied to Health and Biotechnology, University of Malaga, 29071 Malaga, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Valero-Cantero I, Casals C, Espinar-Toledo M, Barón-López FJ, Martínez-Valero FJ, García-Agua Soler N, Vázquez-Sánchez MÁ. Effect of Self-Chosen Music in Alleviating the Burden on Family Caregivers of Patients with Advanced Cancer: A Randomised Controlled Trial. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:4662. [PMID: 36901671 PMCID: PMC10002131 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20054662] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2022] [Revised: 03/02/2023] [Accepted: 03/03/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
The experience of caregiver burden among family members of patients with advanced cancer is a common problem. The aim of this study was to determine whether the burden may be alleviated by means of a therapeutic approach based on self-chosen music. This randomised controlled trial (ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT04052074. Registered 9 August 2019) included 82 family caregivers of patients receiving home palliative care for advanced cancer. The intervention group (n = 41) listened to pre-recorded, self-chosen music for 30 min/day for seven consecutive days, while the control group (n = 41) listened to a recording of basic therapeutic education at the same frequency. The degree of burden was assessed by the Caregiver Strain Index (CSI), calculated before and after the seven-day intervention. According to this measure, caregiver burden fell significantly in the intervention group (CSI change: -0.56, SD 2.16) but increased in the control group (CSI change: +0.68, SD 1.47), with a significant group x moment interaction F(1, 80) = 9.30, p = 0.003, η2p = 0.11. These results suggest that, in the short term at least, the use of therapy based on self-chosen music alleviates the burden on family caregivers of palliative cancer patients. Moreover, this therapy is easy to administer at home and does not present any problems in practice.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Cristina Casals
- ExPhy Research Group, Department of Physical Education, University of Cadiz, Puerto Real, 11519 Cadiz, Spain
- Biomedical Research and Innovation Institute of Cádiz (INiBICA) Research Unit, Puerta del Mar University Hospital, 11009 Cadiz, Spain
| | - Milagrosa Espinar-Toledo
- Rincon de la Victoria Clinical Management Unit, Malaga-Guadalhorce Health District, 29004 Malaga, Spain
| | - Francisco Javier Barón-López
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Public Health and Science History, University of Malaga, 29071 Malaga, Spain
- Malaga Biomedical Research Institute (IBIMA), 29590 Malaga, Spain
| | | | | | - María Ángeles Vázquez-Sánchez
- Department of Nursing, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Malaga, 29071 Malaga, Spain
- PASOS Research Group, UMA REDIAS Network of Law and Artificial Intelligence Applied to Health and Biotechnology, University of Malaga, 29071 Malaga, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Zhao XS, Gui L, Zhou LJ, Zhang B, Chen HY. Risk factors associated with the comprehensive needs of cancer caregivers in China. Support Care Cancer 2023; 31:170. [PMID: 36790489 DOI: 10.1007/s00520-023-07622-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2022] [Accepted: 01/30/2023] [Indexed: 02/16/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cancer incidence and mortality rates have been rising in developing countries, especially in Asia. Cancer caregivers face unique challenges which put them at risk for burden, poor quality of life, and burnout. The purpose of this study was to investigate the comprehensive needs and associated factors of cancer caregivers, and explore the correlation with cancer patients. METHODS In Mainland China, 200 cancer patient-caregiver dyads were chosen and interviewed for a cross-sectional questionnaire survey by convenient sampling method. Cancer caregivers' comprehensive needs were assessed with Comprehensive Needs Assessment Tool in cancer for Caregivers(CNAT-C), including seven domains (health and psychological problems, family and social support, healthcare staffs, information, religious/spiritual support, hospital facilities and services, and practical support). The comprehensive needs assessment tool in cancer for patients (CNAT) was used to assess patients' comprehensive needs. The sociodemographic survey was completed by both cancer patients and caregivers. The mean differences in domain scores for different groups of characteristics were compared by one-way ANOVA or non-parametric analyses, and those factors that had significant differences were selected for the multivariate regression analysis to determine the final influencing factors. The correlation between cancer patients' and caregivers' needs was evaluated by Spearman's correlation analysis. RESULTS The cancer caregivers' need for healthcare staff (82.60±19.56) was the highest among the seven domains, followed by the need for information (72.17±14.61) and the need for hospital facilities and services (56.44±18.22). The lowest score was the need for religious/spiritual support (28.33±16.05). Caregivers who were younger, highly educated, with high household income, and less than 1 year since diagnosis had higher scores of CNAT-C. Also sociodemographic characteristics were associated with each domain of cancer caregivers' need. Correlations between patients' and caregivers' comprehensive needs were low to moderate (0.013~0.469). CONCLUSION Cancer caregivers experience high levels of comprehensive needs, which are closely related to their sociological characteristics. The tailored interventions and mobilization of social and health care support may thus provide multiple levels of benefit across cancer trajectories. The patient-caregiver dyad should be regarded as a unit for treatment in cancer care.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xin-Shuang Zhao
- College of Nursing, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, 200433, People's Republic of China
| | - Li Gui
- College of Nursing, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, 200433, People's Republic of China.
| | - Ling-Jun Zhou
- College of Nursing, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, 200433, People's Republic of China
| | - Bing Zhang
- College of Nursing, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, 200433, People's Republic of China
| | - Hai-Yan Chen
- College of Nursing, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, 471023, People's Republic of China
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Ahmad AS, Doss JG, Ismail SM, Chen Kiong S, Jelon MA, Thangavalu L, Lay Ling C. Quality of Life vs. Supportive Care Needs for Oral Cancer Caregivers: Are They Related? Curr Oncol 2023; 30:1733-1744. [PMID: 36826095 PMCID: PMC9954937 DOI: 10.3390/curroncol30020134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2022] [Revised: 01/24/2023] [Accepted: 01/28/2023] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Caregivers providing care for their family members with oral cancer usually endure the caregiving burden in silence, which affects their quality of life and necessitates the need for supportive care. The aim of this study is to determine the relationship between the quality of life (QOL) of oral cancer caregivers and their supportive care needs (SCN) in Malaysia. The Malaysian versions of the Caregiver Oncology Quality of Life Questionnaire (M-CarGOQoL) and the Comprehensive Needs Assessment Tool for Cancer Caregivers (M-CNAT-C) were self-administered by 56 family caregivers of oral cancer patients from five tertiary hospitals throughout Peninsular Malaysia and Sarawak between October and December 2021. Correlation and multiple regression analyses were employed, and the significance level was set at p < 0.05. The mean score for the QOL of caregivers was 76.16 ± 16.01, with the lowest scores in the psychological well-being (64.87 ± 30.12) and self-esteem (68.64 ± 28.29) domains. The mean score for SCN of caregivers was 36.42 ± 24.16, with the highest scores in the healthcare staff (58.44 ± 33.80) and information (55.35 ± 29.98) domains. The correlation between QOL and SCN was moderately inversed, (r(54) = 0.58, p < 0.01). There was a significant effect of caregiving duration (<3 h/day versus >3 h/day) on the combined dependent variables (QOL and SCN), F(2, 53) = 5.006, p < 0.01, partial η2 = 0.16. QOL and caregiving duration accounted for a significant 43% of SCN, R2 = 0.43, adjusted R2 = 0.41, F(2, 53) = 20.32, p < 0.01. In conclusion, oral cancer caregivers with poorer QOL have higher SCN. It is recommended that oral cancer caregivers be recognized by healthcare providers in order to deliver holistic patient care.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aira Syazleen Ahmad
- Oral Health Program, Ministry of Health, Federal Government Administrative Centre, Putrajaya 62590, Malaysia
- Department of Community Oral Health and Clinical Prevention, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur 50603, Malaysia
| | - Jennifer Geraldine Doss
- Department of Community Oral Health and Clinical Prevention, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur 50603, Malaysia
- Oral Cancer Research & Coordinating Centre, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur 50603, Malaysia
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +603-7967-4805
| | - Siti Mazlipah Ismail
- Department of Oral & Maxillofacial Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur 50603, Malaysia
| | - Shim Chen Kiong
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Sarawak General Hospital, Kuching 93586, Malaysia
| | - Md Arad Jelon
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Kuala Lumpur Hospital, Kuala Lumpur 50586, Malaysia
| | - Logesvari Thangavalu
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, National Cancer Institute, Putrajaya 62250, Malaysia
| | - Ch’ng Lay Ling
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Seberang Jaya Hospital, Perai 13700, Malaysia
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Chávez Sosa JV, Mego Gonzales FM, Aliaga Ramirez ZE, Cajachagua Castro M, Huancahuire-Vega S. Depression Associated with Caregiver Quality of Life in Post-COVID-19 Patients in Two Regions of Peru. Healthcare (Basel) 2022; 10:1219. [PMID: 35885746 PMCID: PMC9323236 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare10071219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2022] [Revised: 06/27/2022] [Accepted: 06/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Due to COVID-19, the workload experienced by caregivers has increased markedly which has led them to experience fatigue, anxiety and depression. This study aims to determine the relationship between quality of life and depression in caregivers of post-COVID-19 patients in two regions of Peru. In a cross-sectional analytical study, the sample was non-probabilistic and by snowball, and consisted of 730 caregivers, to whom the questionnaires "Modified Betty Ferell Quality of Life" and the "Beck Depression Inventory" were applied. It was determined that being a male caregiver (OR: 2.119; 95% CI: 1.332-3.369) was associated with a good quality of life. On the other hand, caregivers who had children (OR: 0.391; 95% CI: 0.227-0.675), were vaccinated against COVID-19 (OR: 0.432; 95% CI: 0.250-0.744), were immediate family members (OR: 0.298; 95% CI: 0.117-0.761) and had high depression (OR: 0.189; 95% CI: 0.073-0.490) were associated with poor quality of life. The results of this study allow us to conclude the association between depression and poor quality of life in caregivers of these patients so it is necessary to monitor the mental health of caregivers, and to develop adaptation strategies to pandemic conditions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Janett V. Chávez Sosa
- Escuela Profesional de Enfermería, Universidad Peruana Unión (UPeU), Lima 15464, Peru; (J.V.C.S.); (F.M.M.G.); (Z.E.A.R.); (M.C.C.)
| | - Flor M. Mego Gonzales
- Escuela Profesional de Enfermería, Universidad Peruana Unión (UPeU), Lima 15464, Peru; (J.V.C.S.); (F.M.M.G.); (Z.E.A.R.); (M.C.C.)
| | - Zoila E. Aliaga Ramirez
- Escuela Profesional de Enfermería, Universidad Peruana Unión (UPeU), Lima 15464, Peru; (J.V.C.S.); (F.M.M.G.); (Z.E.A.R.); (M.C.C.)
| | - Mayela Cajachagua Castro
- Escuela Profesional de Enfermería, Universidad Peruana Unión (UPeU), Lima 15464, Peru; (J.V.C.S.); (F.M.M.G.); (Z.E.A.R.); (M.C.C.)
| | - Salomón Huancahuire-Vega
- Escuela Profesional de Medicina, Universidad Peruana Unión (UPeU), Lima 15464, Peru
- Dirección General de Investigación, Universidad Peruana Unión (UPeU), Lima 15464, Peru
| |
Collapse
|