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Starr LT, Washington K, Pitzer K, Oliver DP, Demiris G. Close but Not Close Enough: How Distance Caregiving is Associated with Hospice Family Caregiver Hospice Communication Experiences. HEALTH COMMUNICATION 2024; 39:482-492. [PMID: 36683376 PMCID: PMC10362092 DOI: 10.1080/10410236.2023.2170199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Half of hospice family caregivers report having unmet information needs, which can contribute to poor pain and symptom management, emergency department use, and hospice disenrollment for care-recipients and to caregiver strain and stress. Effective communication between hospice teams and family caregivers is critical yet communication inadequacies persist. Despite the growing prevalence of distance caregiving, including in hospice care, and the relationship between caregiver proximity and communication effectiveness, little is known about how caregiver proximity is associated with caregiver perceptions of hospice communication. In this secondary analysis of quantitative data from two multisite randomized clinical trials (NCT03712410 and NCT02929108) for hospice family caregivers (N = 525), multivariate linear models with demographic and contextual controls were used to analyze caregivers' perceptions of caregiver-centered communication with hospice providers based on caregiver proximity to the hospice care-recipient. In multivariate models, "local" hospice family caregivers who lived within 1 hour of the hospice care-recipient reported less effective communication with the hospice team than co-residing caregivers; and older caregivers rated communication more favorably than younger caregivers. To improve communication and collaboration between hospice teams and caregivers, regardless of proximity, distance communication training for hospice teams and interventions such as telehealth communication and virtual tools that enable triadic collaboration are recommended. Research is needed to understand why local caregivers, specifically, perceive communication quality less favorably and how hospice teams can better meet local and distance caregiver communication needs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren T. Starr
- NewCourtland Center for Transitions and Health, University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing, Department of Biobehavioral Health Sciences, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Karla Washington
- Washington University in St. Louis School of Medicine, Division of Palliative Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Kyle Pitzer
- Washington University in St. Louis School of Medicine, Division of Palliative Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Debra Parker Oliver
- Washington University in St. Louis School of Medicine, Division of Palliative Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri
- Barnes Jewish College, Goldfarb School of Nursing, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - George Demiris
- NewCourtland Center for Transitions and Health, University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing, Department of Biobehavioral Health Sciences, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
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2
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Westendorp J, Geerse OP, van der Lee ML, Schoones JW, van Vliet MHM, Wit T, Evers AWM, van Vliet LM. Harmful communication behaviors in cancer care: A systematic review of patients and family caregivers perspectives. Psychooncology 2023; 32:1827-1838. [PMID: 37957777 DOI: 10.1002/pon.6247] [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: 08/04/2023] [Revised: 10/13/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Issues regarding clinician communication remain an important source of complaints within healthcare. This systematic review aims to determine cancer patients' and their family caregivers' views on which clinicians' communication behaviors can harm (i.e. eliciting negative feelings/consequences for patients/family caregivers). METHODS We searched for all types of peer-reviewed studies that determined adult (≥18 years) cancer patients' and/or family caregivers' perspectives on which clinicians' communication behaviors can harm in several databases (PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, Emcare, PsycINFO and Academic Search Premier), supplemented by expert-consultation. Studies were screened using the Artificial intelligence screening tool of ASReview and data was analyzed using Thematic Analysis. To assess the quality of the studies the Qualsyst critical appraisal tool was used. RESULTS A total of 47 studies were included. Four main themes of harmful communication behaviors were identified: (1) Lack of tailored information provision (e.g. giving too little or too much/specific information) (2) Lack of tailored decision making (ranging from; patient exclusion, to the patients' responsibility, and/or haste) (3) Lack of feeling seen and heard (seen as a disease, not as a human being; not listened to concerns and emotions) (4) Lack of feeling held and remembered (forgotten agreements; lack of care continuity). CONCLUSIONS Our results reveal an overview of patients' and family caregivers' perspectives on which clinicians' communication behaviors can harm. Harm could be prevented when information and decision involvement are tailored and patients' and family caregivers' needs to feel seen, heard, held and remembered are met.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janine Westendorp
- Health, Medical and Neuropsychology Unit, Institute of Psychology, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Olaf P Geerse
- Department of Medical Oncology, Amsterdam UMC, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Pulmonary Diseases, Amsterdam UMC, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Marije L van der Lee
- Scientific Research Department, Helen Dowling Institute, Centre for Psycho-Oncology, Bilthoven, The Netherlands
- Department of Medical and Clinical Psychology, Tilburg University, Tilburg, The Netherlands
| | - Jan W Schoones
- Directorate of Research Policy, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Milon H M van Vliet
- Health, Medical and Neuropsychology Unit, Institute of Psychology, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Tamara Wit
- Health, Medical and Neuropsychology Unit, Institute of Psychology, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Andrea W M Evers
- Health, Medical and Neuropsychology Unit, Institute of Psychology, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands
- Medical Delta, Leiden University, TU Delft and Erasmus University, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Liesbeth M van Vliet
- Health, Medical and Neuropsychology Unit, Institute of Psychology, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands
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3
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Rohlfing AB, Kelly AE, Flint LA. Make the Call: Engaging Family as a Critical Intervention. J Gen Intern Med 2023; 38:523-524. [PMID: 36376624 PMCID: PMC9905348 DOI: 10.1007/s11606-022-07913-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2022] [Accepted: 10/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Anne B. Rohlfing
- Extended Care & Palliative Medicine Service, VA Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, CA USA
- Division of Primary Care & Population Health, Stanford Medicine, Stanford, CA USA
| | - Anne E. Kelly
- Geriatrics, Palliative, and Extended Care, San Francisco VA Medical Center, San Francisco, CA USA
| | - Lynn A. Flint
- Geriatrics, Palliative, and Extended Care, San Francisco VA Medical Center, San Francisco, CA USA
- Division of Geriatrics, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA USA
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4
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Schulman-Green D, Linsky S, Blatt L, Jeuland J, Kapo J, Jeon S. Improving Breast Cancer Family Caregivers' Palliative Care Literacy: A Pilot Randomized Trial. JOURNAL OF FAMILY NURSING 2023; 29:99-114. [PMID: 35670155 DOI: 10.1177/10748407221099541] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Self- and family management (SFM) refers to patients' and family caregivers' activities to co-manage illness. Two barriers to SFM are low palliative care literacy and lack of goals of care communication, which potentially result in SFM activities that are unsupportive of patients' goals. Managing Cancer Care: A Caregiver's Guide (MCC-CG) aims to improve palliative care literacy and communication within a SFM training program. In this pilot randomized trial, we enrolled breast cancer family caregivers and collected data at 0, 1, and 3 months on palliative care literacy, SFM engagement, communication, transitions management, uncertainty, caregiver burden, and caregiver competence/personal gain. Participants (n = 35) had a mean age of 54 (range: 18-81) and were 66% white and 34% racial/ethnic minorities. Intervention participants improved their palliative care literacy and SFM engagement, reduced uncertainty and caregiver burden, increased competence/personal gain, and had more goals of care conversations over time. MCC-CG has preliminary efficacy, warranting further study.
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5
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Chong E, Crowe L, Mentor K, Pandanaboyana S, Sharp L. Systematic review of caregiver burden, unmet needs and quality-of-life among informal caregivers of patients with pancreatic cancer. Support Care Cancer 2023; 31:74. [PMID: 36544073 PMCID: PMC9771849 DOI: 10.1007/s00520-022-07468-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2022] [Accepted: 11/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Informal caregivers play an important supportive care role for patients with cancer. This may be especially true for pancreatic cancer which is often diagnosed late, has a poor prognosis and is associated with a significant symptom burden. We systematically reviewed the evidence on caregiver burden, unmet needs and quality-of-life of informal caregivers to patients with pancreatic cancer. METHOD PubMed, Medline, CINAHL and Embase databases were systematically searched on 31 August 2021. Qualitative and quantitative data on informal caregivers' experiences were extracted and coded into themes of burden, unmet needs or quality-of-life with narrative synthesis of the data undertaken. RESULTS Nine studies (five qualitative, four quantitative), including 6023 informal caregivers, were included in the review. We categorised data into three key themes: caregiver burden, unmet needs and quality-of-life. Data on caregiver burden was organised into a single subtheme relating to symptom management as a source of burden. Data on unmet needs was organised into three subthemes need for: better clinical communication; support and briefings for caregivers; and help with navigating the health care system. Data on quality-of-life indicate large proportions of informal caregivers experience clinical levels of anxiety (33%) or depression (12%-32%). All five qualitative studies were graded as good quality; three quantitative studies were poor quality, and one was fair quality. CONCLUSION High-quality pancreatic cancer care should consider the impacts of informal caregiving. Prospective longitudinal studies examining multiple dimensions of caregiver burden, needs, and quality-of-life would be valuable at informing supportive care cancer delivery to pancreatic cancer informal caregivers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric Chong
- Surgical and Translational Research Centre, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Lisa Crowe
- Population Health Sciences Institute, Newcastle University Centre for Cancer, Newcastle University, Newcastle, UK
| | - Keno Mentor
- Population Health Sciences Institute, Newcastle University Centre for Cancer, Newcastle University, Newcastle, UK ,Department of Hepatobiliary, Pancreatic and Transplant Surgery, Freeman Hospital, Tyne and Wear, Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK
| | - Sanjay Pandanaboyana
- Population Health Sciences Institute, Newcastle University Centre for Cancer, Newcastle University, Newcastle, UK ,Department of Hepatobiliary, Pancreatic and Transplant Surgery, Freeman Hospital, Tyne and Wear, Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK
| | - Linda Sharp
- Population Health Sciences Institute, Newcastle University Centre for Cancer, Newcastle University, Newcastle, UK
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6
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Riccò B, Fiorani C, Ferrara L, Potenza L, Saviola A, Malavasi N, Acquaviva G, Carboni C, Scarabelli L, Dominici M, Luppi M, Longo G. Survey on the effectiveness of telephone-based communication with relatives of hospitalized cancer patients in COVID-19 era in Italy. Support Care Cancer 2022; 30:6007-6012. [PMID: 35399104 PMCID: PMC8995134 DOI: 10.1007/s00520-022-07042-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2021] [Accepted: 04/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Objective Methods Results Conclusion
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Affiliation(s)
- Beatrice Riccò
- Division of Oncology, Department of Oncology and Hematology, University Hospital of Modena, Via del Pozzo 71, 41125, Modena, Italy.
| | - Claudia Fiorani
- Division of Oncology, Department of Oncology and Hematology, University Hospital of Modena, Via del Pozzo 71, 41125, Modena, Italy
| | - Leonardo Ferrara
- Division of Oncology, Department of Oncology and Hematology, University Hospital of Modena, Via del Pozzo 71, 41125, Modena, Italy
| | - Leonardo Potenza
- Division of Oncology, Department of Oncology and Hematology, University Hospital of Modena, Via del Pozzo 71, 41125, Modena, Italy
| | - Alessia Saviola
- Division of Oncology, Department of Oncology and Hematology, University Hospital of Modena, Via del Pozzo 71, 41125, Modena, Italy
| | - Norma Malavasi
- Division of Oncology, Department of Oncology and Hematology, University Hospital of Modena, Via del Pozzo 71, 41125, Modena, Italy
| | - Gloria Acquaviva
- Division of Oncology, Department of Oncology and Hematology, University Hospital of Modena, Via del Pozzo 71, 41125, Modena, Italy
| | - Chiara Carboni
- Division of Oncology, Department of Oncology and Hematology, University Hospital of Modena, Via del Pozzo 71, 41125, Modena, Italy
| | - Laura Scarabelli
- Division of Oncology, Department of Oncology and Hematology, University Hospital of Modena, Via del Pozzo 71, 41125, Modena, Italy
| | - Massimo Dominici
- Division of Oncology, Department of Oncology and Hematology, University Hospital of Modena, Via del Pozzo 71, 41125, Modena, Italy
| | - Mario Luppi
- Division of Oncology, Department of Oncology and Hematology, University Hospital of Modena, Via del Pozzo 71, 41125, Modena, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Longo
- Division of Oncology, Department of Oncology and Hematology, University Hospital of Modena, Via del Pozzo 71, 41125, Modena, Italy
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7
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Motamedi M, Brandenburg C, Bakhit M, Michaleff ZA, Albarqouni L, Clark J, Ooi M, Bahudin D, Chróinín DN, Cardona M. Concerns and potential improvements in end-of-life care from the perspectives of older patients and informal caregivers: a scoping review. BMC Geriatr 2021; 21:729. [PMID: 34930177 PMCID: PMC8690959 DOI: 10.1186/s12877-021-02680-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2021] [Accepted: 11/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Overtreatment in advanced age i.e. aggressive interventions that do not improve survival and are potentially harmful, can impair quality of care near the end of life (EOL). As healthcare provider perspectives on care quality may differ from that of service users, the aim of this study was to explore the views of older patients near EOL or their caregivers about the quality of health care at the EOL based on their lived experience, and to identify healthcare service improvements. Methods Medline and backward citation searches were conducted for qualitative or quantitative studies reported on the views of patients and/or informal caregivers about EOL care quality. Thematic analysis was used to summarise qualitative data (primary analysis); narrative and tabulations were used to summarise quantitative data (secondary analysis). Results Thirty articles met the inclusion criteria. Five main qualitative themes regarding quality care emerged: (1) Effective communication between clinicians and patients/caregivers; (2) Healthcare that values patient preferences and shared decision making; (3) Models of care that support quality of life and death with dignity; (4) Healthcare services that meet patient expectations; and (5) Support for informal caregivers in dealing with EOL challenges. The quantitative articles supported various aspects of the thematic framework. Conclusion The findings of this study show that many of the issues highlighted by patients or bereaved relatives have persisted over the past two decades. There is an urgent need for comprehensive evaluation of care across the healthcare system and targeted redesign of existing EOL care pathways to ensure that care aligns with what patients and informal caregivers consider high-quality patient-centred care at the EOL. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12877-021-02680-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mina Motamedi
- Australian Centre for Health Engagement Evidence and Values (ACHEEV), University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
| | - Caitlin Brandenburg
- Allied Health Services, Gold Coast University Hospital, Southport, QLD, Australia.,Faculty of Health Sciences and Medicine, Bond University, Robina, QLD, Australia
| | - Mina Bakhit
- Institute for Evidence Based Healthcare (IEBH), Bond University, Robina, QLD, Australia
| | - Zoe A Michaleff
- Institute for Evidence Based Healthcare (IEBH), Bond University, Robina, QLD, Australia
| | - Loai Albarqouni
- Institute for Evidence Based Healthcare (IEBH), Bond University, Robina, QLD, Australia
| | - Justin Clark
- Institute for Evidence Based Healthcare (IEBH), Bond University, Robina, QLD, Australia
| | - Meidelynn Ooi
- Faculty of Medicine, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Danial Bahudin
- Faculty of Health Sciences and Medicine, Bond University, Robina, QLD, Australia
| | - Danielle Ní Chróinín
- Department of Geriatric Medicine, Liverpool Hospital, Liverpool, NSW, Australia.,South Western Sydney Clinical School, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Magnolia Cardona
- Institute for Evidence Based Healthcare (IEBH), Bond University, Robina, QLD, Australia. .,Bond EBP Professorial Unit, Gold Coast University Hospital, QLD, Southport, Australia.
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8
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Oh YS, Lim J. Patient-Provider Communication and Online Health Information Seeking among a Sample of US Older Adults. JOURNAL OF HEALTH COMMUNICATION 2021; 26:708-716. [PMID: 34743676 DOI: 10.1080/10810730.2021.1998846] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Negative communications with health professionals are a stressor to older adults in healthcare settings. In this situation, older adults seek health information on the Internet as alternative information sources and may consider this as having the equivalent value of communicating with a health professional. This study examines the relationship between communications with health professionals and online health information seeking in older adults. This study used the Health Information National Trends Survey, Cycle 3, and included participants (N = 743) aged 65 or older who used the Internet. A multiple logistic regression was employed to examine the association of health professional communication with online health information seeking. Multinomial logistic regression analysis was applied to examine the association between health communications and three types of online health information seeking in older adults. Online health information seeking was significantly associated with negative communications with health professionals. Health communications only predicted online health information seeking by oneself, and females were more likely to search for health information on the Internet than males. The results of this study show that older adults' online health information seeking is an active coping strategy to reduce health risks and improve health promotion in healthcare.
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Affiliation(s)
- Young Sam Oh
- Department of Public Administration and Social Work, Pukyong National University, Busan, South Korea
| | - Jinseop Lim
- Department of Gerontal Health & Welfare, Pai Chai University, Daejeon, South Korea
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9
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Anderson RJ, Stone PC, Low JTS, Bloch S. Managing uncertainty and references to time in prognostic conversations with family members at the end of life: A conversation analytic study. Palliat Med 2020; 34:896-905. [PMID: 32233831 PMCID: PMC7336362 DOI: 10.1177/0269216320910934] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND When patients are likely to die in the coming hours or days, families often want prognostic information. Prognostic uncertainty and a lack of end-of-life communication training make these conversations challenging. AIM The objective of this study is to understand how clinicians and the relatives/friends of patients at the very end of life manage uncertainty and reference time in prognostic conversations. DESIGN Conversation analysis of audio-recorded conversations between clinicians and the relatives/friends of hospice inpatients. SETTING/PARTICIPANTS Experienced palliative care clinicians and relatives/friends of imminently dying hospice inpatients. Twenty-three recorded conversations involved prognostic talk and were included in the analysis. RESULTS Requests for prognostic information were initiated by families in the majority of conversations. Clinicians responded using categorical time references such as 'days', allowing the provision of prognostic estimates without giving a precise time. Explicit terms such as 'dying' were rare during prognostic discussions. Instead, references to time were understood as relating to prognosis. Relatives displayed their awareness of prognostic uncertainty when requesting prognostic information, providing clinicians with 'permission' to be uncertain. In response, clinicians often stated their uncertainty explicitly, but presented evidence for their prognostic estimates, based on changes to the patient's function previously discussed with the family. CONCLUSION Prognostic uncertainty was managed collaboratively by clinicians and families. Clinicians were able to provide prognostic estimates while being honest about the related uncertainty, in part because relatives displayed their awareness of uncertainty within their requests. The conversation analytic method identified contributions of both clinicians and families, and identified strategies based on real interactions, which could inform communication training.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca J Anderson
- Marie Curie Palliative Care Research Department, Division of Psychiatry, University College London, London, UK
| | - Patrick C Stone
- Marie Curie Palliative Care Research Department, Division of Psychiatry, University College London, London, UK
| | - Joseph T S Low
- Marie Curie Palliative Care Research Department, Division of Psychiatry, University College London, London, UK
| | - Steven Bloch
- Department of Language and Cognition, Division of Psychology and Language Sciences, University College London, London, UK
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Lim J, Cho H, Bunds KS, Lee CW. Cancer family caregivers' quality of life and the meaning of leisure. Health Care Women Int 2020; 42:1144-1164. [PMID: 32490741 DOI: 10.1080/07399332.2020.1752214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
In this study, the authors examined cancer family caregivers' life experience and the meaning of leisure, focusing on their difficulties and the role of leisure. We found four main themes related to cancer family caregivers' life and leisure experiences: stressors, adapting, the need of leisure, and leisure experiences. Our results showed that the caregivers experienced high levels of psychological and physical stress and conflicts while caring for cancer patients, resulting in a poor quality of life. They believed that leisure activity is necessary and can improve their quality of life; however, they felt a sense of guilt while engaging in personal activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinsun Lim
- Department of Leisure Sports Studies, Woosuk University, Wanju-Gun, South Korea
| | - Heetae Cho
- Department of Physical Education and Sports Science, National Institute of Education, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Kyle S Bunds
- Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism Management, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, USA
| | - Chul-Won Lee
- Department of Sport Industry Studies, Yonsei University, Seoul, South Korea
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11
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Vigna PM, de Castro I, Fumis RRL. Spirituality alleviates the burden on family members caring for patients receiving palliative care exclusively. BMC Palliat Care 2020; 19:77. [PMID: 32493301 PMCID: PMC7271458 DOI: 10.1186/s12904-020-00585-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2019] [Accepted: 05/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Spirituality can give meaning to life, providing support and guidance in complex situations. Despite its importance in palliative care, the role of spirituality for family caregivers of patients under exclusive palliative care has not received enough attention in the literature. We aimed to address the correlation between spirituality and the emotional burden of family members of patients under exclusive palliative care. Methods This transversal study was conducted in a tertiary private teaching hospital, in São Paulo, Brazil. The study comprised family members of patients receiving palliative care exclusively. Only one caregiver who cared for the patient for at least 2 months was invited to participate. Family members answered the following questionnaires: WHOQOL spirituality, religiousness and personal beliefs (SRPB), Zarit Burden Interview (ZBI) and Self-Reporting Questionnaire (SRQ-20). They were excluded if patients were residing in a Long Stay Institution. Continuous variables were expressed by median and quartiles and analyzed with the Kruskal-Wallis test with Muller-Dunn post-test adjusted by Bonferroni or with the Mann-Whitney test for two groups. We used multivariable linear regression to identify independent predictors of caregiver burden. Results A total of 178 family members were interviewed in a median of 8 [4–13.25] days after patient admission. Almost 40% of families presented high score of burden. Faith and Meaning in Life were the facets that scored the highest, with a median of 4.50 [4.00–5.00] for both facets. There was an inverse correlation between Zarit score and all of the WHOQOL-SRPB facets, indicating that the lower the spirituality, the greater the emotional burden. Inner peace was the strongest protective factor associated with burden. Conclusions Psycho-socio-spiritual interaction can improve the coping ability of family caregivers of patients under exclusive palliative care, addressing a critical gap in the provision of holistic palliative care services.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Isac de Castro
- Division of Nephrology and Molecular Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of São Paulo School of Medicine, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Renata Rego Lins Fumis
- Intensive Care Unit, Hospital Sírio-Libanês - São Paulo, Rua Dona Adma Jafet, 115 - Bela Vista, São Paulo, SP, 01308-050, Brazil.
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12
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Leslie M, Gray RP, Khayatzadeh-Mahani A. What is 'care quality' and can it be improved by information and communication technology? A typology of family caregivers' perspectives. Scand J Caring Sci 2020; 35:220-232. [PMID: 32168399 DOI: 10.1111/scs.12837] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2019] [Accepted: 02/11/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION With governments worldwide reducing their involvement in the provision of institutional long-term elder care, community-based family caregivers (FCs) have become a key element in policies aimed at improving the quality of healthcare systems and maintaining their financial sustainability. This paper uses data from focus groups with FCs providing care to older adults to describe their approaches to and priorities for achieving care quality and sustainability as they work with formal health and social care systems. It describes FCs' views on information and communications technology (ICT) as potential supports for achieving these care quality and sustainability goals. METHODS We held 10 focus groups from May 2017 to August 2018 and recruited 25 FCs through a mix of convenience and snowball sampling strategies. We employed an inductive approach and used qualitative thematic content analysis methods to examine and interpret the resulting data. We used NVIVO 12 software for data analysis. RESULTS Quality of care - as delivered by both FCs themselves, and formal health and social care systems - was a major preoccupation for our participants. They saw communications quality as a key aspect of the broader concept of care quality. Our data analysis produced a typology of communications quality from the FC perspective. Analysis of our data also revealed ICT development opportunities and available products in key areas. CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggest that the formal care system providers could be more caregiver-oriented in their communications by engaging FCs in the decision-making process and allowing them to express their own concerns and goals. The implication of our findings for those seeking to develop policies and ICT products in support of FCs is that these should focus on human relationships and seek to expand facilitative communications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Myles Leslie
- Department of Community Health Sciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada.,School of Public Policy, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | | | - Akram Khayatzadeh-Mahani
- School of Public Policy, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada.,Health Services Management Research Center, Institute for Futures Studies in Health, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
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13
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Hov R, Bjørsland B, Kjøs BØ, Wilde-Larsson B. A sense of security in palliative homecare in a Norwegian municipality; dyadic comparisons of the perceptions of patients and relatives - a quantitative study. BMC Palliat Care 2020; 19:7. [PMID: 31926557 PMCID: PMC6954541 DOI: 10.1186/s12904-020-0513-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2018] [Accepted: 01/07/2020] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND As palliative care increasingly takes place in patients' homes, perceptions of security among patients in the late palliative phase and their relatives are important. AIM To describe and compare patient-relative dyads regarding their perceptions of security in palliative homecare, including the perceived security of the actual care given to the patients, as well as the subjective importance of that care. METHODS A cross sectional questionnaire study including 32 patient-relative dyads was conducted in an urban municipality in Norway. Patients were in a late palliative phase and received palliative homecare. Each patient proposed one relative. Data were collected using a modified version of the Quality from the Patients' Perspective instrument (QPP), which focuses on security and comprises three dimensions: medical-technical competence, identity-orientation approach and physical-technical conditions. Context-specific scales containing four aspects (competence, continuity, coordination/cooperation, availability) were added. The instrument contains two response scales; perceived reality (PR) and subjective importance (SI). Data were analysed by descriptive statistics, Chi-squared test, T-test and Wilcoxon's signed rank test. RESULTS Patients had high mean scores on the PR-scale for the sense of security in palliative homecare in the dimensions of medical-technical competence and physical-technical conditions. There were three low mean scores on the PR-scale: the aspect of continuity from patients and the aspects of continuity and coordination/cooperation from relatives. The patients scored the SI scale statistically significantly higher than the PR scale in the identity-orientation approach dimension and in the aspect of continuity, while relatives did so in all dimensions and aspects. The intra-dyadic patient-relative comparisons show statistically significant lower scores from relatives on the PR-scale in the dimensions of medical-technical competence, physical-technical conditions, identity-orientation approach and the aspect coordination/cooperation. CONCLUSIONS There are several statistically significant differences between patients and relatives' perceptions of security in the palliative homecare received (PR) compared with the subjective importance of the care (SI) and statistically significant differences in the patient-relative dyads in PR. A relatively mutual sense of security in palliative homecare is important for patient-relative dyads, as relatives often provide care and act as patients' spokespersons. What they assess as important can guide the development of palliative homecare.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reidun Hov
- Department of Nursing, Inland Norway University of Applied Sciences, Elverum, Norway. .,Centre for Development of Institutional and Home Care Services, Hamar Municipality, Hedmark, Norway.
| | - Bente Bjørsland
- Department of Nursing, Inland Norway University of Applied Sciences, Elverum, Norway
| | - Bente Ødegård Kjøs
- Centre for Development of Institutional and Home Care Services, Hamar Municipality, Hedmark, Norway
| | - Bodil Wilde-Larsson
- Department of Nursing, Inland Norway University of Applied Sciences, Elverum, Norway.,Department of Health Science, Discipline of Nursing Science, Karlstad University, Karlstad, Sweden
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Ko E, Fuentes D. End-of-Life Communication Between Providers and Family Caregivers of Home Hospice Patients in a Rural US-Mexico Border Community: Caregivers' Retrospective Perspectives. Am J Hosp Palliat Care 2019; 37:329-335. [PMID: 31665903 DOI: 10.1177/1049909119885099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Family caregiver-provider communication is essential to making an effective hospice care transition for patients. Despite the importance of this topic, there is little information about how caregivers in rural US-Mexico border regions navigate hospice care transition and their needs. This study explores the family caregivers' experience relating to their end-of-life (EOL) communication and needs for hospice care transition. METHODS In-depth interviews using qualitative methods were conducted with 28 informal caregivers of patients who are enrolled in home hospice care in a rural US-Mexico border region. Thematic analysis was applied to analyze the data. RESULTS Qualitative themes that emerged include (1) lack of/insufficient EOL communication and (2) informational needs, including (a) signs of symptom changes, (b) EOL treatment options and goals of care, and (c) hospice care and its benefits. Limited caregiver-provider EOL communication was observed, in which the majority of the caregivers (n = 22, 78.6%) were informed of the patient's terminal condition, but only half (n = 15, 53.6%) had a discussion with the providers about hospice care. CONCLUSION Timely EOL communication between caregivers and the providers is key to the patient's optimal transition to hospice care. Providers need to be aware of the caregivers' informational needs relating to patient symptoms and health condition as well as hospice care. It is important to be aware of the impact of cultural values on hospice care placement. A clear explanation about the purpose and functions of hospice care and its benefit can better guide the family caregivers in making hospice care decisions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eunjeong Ko
- School of Social Work, San Diego State University, CA, USA
| | - Dahlia Fuentes
- School of Social Work, San Diego State University, CA, USA
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15
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Washington KT, Craig KW, Parker Oliver D, Ruggeri JS, Brunk SR, Goldstein AK, Demiris G. Family caregivers' perspectives on communication with cancer care providers. J Psychosoc Oncol 2019; 37:777-790. [PMID: 31204604 DOI: 10.1080/07347332.2019.1624674] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Purpose/Objectives: Family caregivers of individuals living with cancer are often highly involved in communication with healthcare teams, yet little is known about their experiences, needs, and preferences in this role. To address this gap in the knowledge base, researchers sought to explore family caregivers' perspectives on communication with oncology care providers. Design and Methods: Researchers conducted a secondary inductive thematic analysis of qualitative interviews originally collected as part of a randomized clinical trial of a supportive intervention for family caregivers of patients with cancer (N = 63). Participants: Participants were family caregivers of adult patients with cancer. Most were patients' spouses/long-term partners (52.3%) or adult children/grandchildren (29.2%). Caregivers of patients with all cancer types and stages of disease progression were eligible for study enrollment. Findings: Caregivers valued communication with healthcare providers who were attentive, genuine, broadly focused on patients and caregivers' experiences, sensitive to unmet information needs, and responsive to the potentially different communication preferences of patients and caregivers. Interpretation: Family caregivers expressed a strong preference for person-centered communication, conceptualized as communication that helps healthcare providers meet the needs of patients and caregivers both as individuals and as an interdependent unit of care, and that acknowledges individuals' experiences beyond their prescribed roles of "cancer patient" and "caregiver." Implications for Psychosocial Oncology Practice: Psychosocial oncology providers' strong orientation to the biopsychosocial and spiritual aspects of cancer care delivery make them uniquely positioned to support family caregivers. Findings suggest that providers should explicitly communicate their commitment to both patient and family care, involve family caregivers in psychosocial assessment activities and subsequent intervention, and strive to honor patients and caregivers' potentially different communication preferences.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Kevin W Craig
- School of Medicine, University of Missouri , Columbia , Missouri , USA
| | | | - Jeffrey S Ruggeri
- School of Medicine, University of Missouri , Columbia , Missouri , USA
| | - Samantha R Brunk
- School of Medicine, University of Missouri , Columbia , Missouri , USA
| | | | - George Demiris
- School of Nursing, University of Pennsylvania , Philadelphia , Pennsylvania , USA
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Flemming K, Atkin K, Ward C, Watt I. Adult family carers’ perceptions of their educational needs when providing end-of-life care: a systematic review of qualitative research. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2019. [DOI: 10.12688/amrcopenres.12855.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Background: There is an increasing emphasis on the importance of the palliative and end-of-life care being provided in the community. Key to the success of this is the availability of information and educational support to facilitate carers in their role. The aim of the paper is to explore the educational needs of adult carers providing physical and other care to people at the end of life Methods: A qualitative evidence synthesis was conducted using meta-ethnography. Five electronic databases were searched to January 2014, combining terms for: cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, neurodegenerative conditions, renal disease, heart failure and dementia, with terms for carers and education. Results: A total of 35 papers were included in the review, reporting the experiences of over 900 carers. Throughout the illness trajectory carers were either enabled or hindered in their role by the nature and way information and education were provided. Enabling factors included: a sense of trust in health professionals; timely and accurate information delivered compassionately; access to professionals for information and support particularly during out-of-hours. Where carers experienced a lack of information or support this added to the strain of caring. Carers then felt the need to take on a more active role, acting both as an advocate and decision maker. Conclusions: Carers express information and educational needs throughout the illness trajectory. The quality of health professionals’ communication with carers was fundamental in ensuring carers felt confident and supported. Timely access to information and support from appropriately qualified health professionals should be made available to carers, including the out-of-hours period.
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Laryionava K, Pfeil TA, Dietrich M, Reiter-Theil S, Hiddemann W, Winkler EC. The second patient? Family members of cancer patients and their role in end-of-life decision making. BMC Palliat Care 2018; 17:29. [PMID: 29454337 PMCID: PMC5816525 DOI: 10.1186/s12904-018-0288-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2017] [Accepted: 02/09/2018] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Family members are important companions of severely ill patients with cancer. However, studies about the desirability and difficulties of integrating relatives in the decision-making process are rare in oncology. This qualitative study explores the family role in decisions to limit treatment near the end of life from the professionals' point of view. METHODS Qualitative in-depth interviews were conducted with oncologists (n = 12) and nurses (n = 6) working at the Department of Hematology/Oncology at the University Hospital in Munich, Germany. The data were analyzed using a descriptive qualitative methodology and discussed from a medical ethics perspective. RESULTS Four major themes played a central role in the perception of the medical staff in regard to family members. (1) Family impact on patients' treatment preferences. (2) Strong family wish for further treatment. (3) Emotional distress of the family related to the involvement in end-of-life decision-making. (4) Importance of knowing family structures. CONCLUSIONS The important role of the family members in patients' disease process is recognized by oncologists and oncology nurses. However, this does not seem to lead to an early involvement of the family members. Developing and establishing a systematic assessment of family members' needs and wishes in order to provide a specific-tailored support should become a priority for interdisciplinary clinical research in the near future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katsiaryna Laryionava
- National Center for Tumor Diseases, Department of Medical Oncology, Programme for Ethics and Patient-Oriented Care in Oncology, Heidelberg University Hospital, Im Neuenheimer Feld 460, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Timo A Pfeil
- Department of Internal Medicine III (Haematology and Oncology), University Hospital Grosshadern, Munich, Germany
| | - Mareike Dietrich
- National Center for Tumor Diseases, Department of Medical Oncology, Programme for Ethics and Patient-Oriented Care in Oncology, Heidelberg University Hospital, Im Neuenheimer Feld 460, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Stella Reiter-Theil
- Department Clinical Ethics, Psychiatric Hospitals of the University Basel, University Hospital Basel, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Wolfgang Hiddemann
- Department of Internal Medicine III (Haematology and Oncology), University Hospital Grosshadern, Munich, Germany
| | - Eva C Winkler
- National Center for Tumor Diseases, Department of Medical Oncology, Programme for Ethics and Patient-Oriented Care in Oncology, Heidelberg University Hospital, Im Neuenheimer Feld 460, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany.
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18
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Oh YS. Communications with health professionals and psychological distress in family caregivers to cancer patients: A model based on stress-coping theory. Appl Nurs Res 2017; 33:5-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.apnr.2016.09.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2016] [Revised: 09/24/2016] [Accepted: 09/27/2016] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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19
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Stephenson PS, Sheehan D, Hansen D, Mayo MM. Uncertainties experienced by family members when one parent is dying. Int J Palliat Nurs 2015; 21:488-94. [DOI: 10.12968/ijpn.2015.21.10.488] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Denice Sheehan
- Associate Professor, at the College of Nursing, Kent State University, Ohio, US
| | - Dana Hansen
- Assistant Professor, at the College of Nursing, Kent State University, Ohio, US
| | - M Murray Mayo
- Assistant Professor, Department of Nursing, Ursuline College, Pepper Pike, Ohio, US
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Yuen EYN, Dodson S, Batterham RW, Knight T, Chirgwin J, Livingston PM. Development of a conceptual model of cancer caregiver health literacy. Eur J Cancer Care (Engl) 2015; 25:294-306. [PMID: 25630765 DOI: 10.1111/ecc.12284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/09/2014] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Caregivers play a vital role in caring for people diagnosed with cancer. However, little is understood about caregivers' capacity to find, understand, appraise and use information to improve health outcomes. The study aimed to develop a conceptual model that describes the elements of cancer caregiver health literacy. Six concept mapping workshops were conducted with 13 caregivers, 13 people with cancer and 11 healthcare providers/policymakers. An iterative, mixed methods approach was used to analyse and synthesise workshop data and to generate the conceptual model. Six major themes and 17 subthemes were identified from 279 statements generated by participants during concept mapping workshops. Major themes included: access to information, understanding of information, relationship with healthcare providers, relationship with the care recipient, managing challenges of caregiving and support systems. The study extends conceptualisations of health literacy by identifying factors specific to caregiving within the cancer context. The findings demonstrate that caregiver health literacy is multidimensional, includes a broad range of individual and interpersonal elements, and is influenced by broader healthcare system and community factors. These results provide guidance for the development of: caregiver health literacy measurement tools; strategies for improving health service delivery, and; interventions to improve caregiver health literacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Y N Yuen
- Public Health Innovation, Population Health Strategic Research Centre, Deakin University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - S Dodson
- Public Health Innovation, Population Health Strategic Research Centre, Deakin University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - R W Batterham
- Public Health Innovation, Population Health Strategic Research Centre, Deakin University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - T Knight
- School of Psychology, Faculty of Health, Deakin University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - J Chirgwin
- Department of Medical Oncology, Eastern Health, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - P M Livingston
- Faculty of Health, Deakin University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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The interaction between informal cancer caregivers and health care professionals: a survey of caregivers’ experiences of problems and unmet needs. Support Care Cancer 2014; 23:1719-33. [DOI: 10.1007/s00520-014-2529-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2014] [Accepted: 11/17/2014] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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