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Torres-Marrero SD, Argüelles-Berrios C, Rivera-Torres N, Rosario-Ramos L, De Lahongrais-Lamboy A, Torres-Blasco N. Enhancing Communication Among Patients with Cancer, Caregivers, and Extended Family: Development of a Communication Module. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2025; 22:541. [PMID: 40283766 PMCID: PMC12027474 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph22040541] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2025] [Revised: 03/28/2025] [Accepted: 03/30/2025] [Indexed: 04/29/2025]
Abstract
(1) Background: Coping with a cancer diagnosis can be a challenging process, in which patients and caregivers often require family support. For an adequate support network, there must be clear communication among patients, caregivers, and family members. However, the literature has not adequately discussed communication interventions with extended family members. Our research team identified the need to incorporate communication strategies among patients, caregivers, and extended family. For this reason, we aimed to develop a communication module for patients with cancer, caregivers, and extended family members. (2) Methods: We conducted two steps to address the study's objective: (a) a narrative literature review to identify communication strategies or interventions and (b) a data triangulation with the narrative literature review findings, the primary study findings, and the cultural expert expertise. (3) Results: The module content included learning what to say and improving general communication. Within the content were communication strategies such as prompt lists, priority lists, methods of telling others, delegating, seeking support, and others. (4) Conclusions: Enhancing the communication among patients with cancer, caregivers, and extended family promotes adequate family support. Nevertheless, future studies should explore the acceptability and implementation strategies of protocols focused on communication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie D. Torres-Marrero
- School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences, Ponce Health Sciences University, Ponce 00716, Puerto Rico; (C.A.-B.); (N.R.-T.); (L.R.-R.)
- Ponce Research Institute, Ponce 00716, Puerto Rico;
| | - Carled Argüelles-Berrios
- School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences, Ponce Health Sciences University, Ponce 00716, Puerto Rico; (C.A.-B.); (N.R.-T.); (L.R.-R.)
| | - Ninoshka Rivera-Torres
- School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences, Ponce Health Sciences University, Ponce 00716, Puerto Rico; (C.A.-B.); (N.R.-T.); (L.R.-R.)
- Ponce Research Institute, Ponce 00716, Puerto Rico;
| | - Lianel Rosario-Ramos
- School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences, Ponce Health Sciences University, Ponce 00716, Puerto Rico; (C.A.-B.); (N.R.-T.); (L.R.-R.)
- Ponce Research Institute, Ponce 00716, Puerto Rico;
| | - Alondra De Lahongrais-Lamboy
- Ponce Research Institute, Ponce 00716, Puerto Rico;
- Liberal Arts Department, Ana G. Méndez University, Ponce Campus, Ponce 00716, Puerto Rico
| | - Normarie Torres-Blasco
- School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences, Ponce Health Sciences University, Ponce 00716, Puerto Rico; (C.A.-B.); (N.R.-T.); (L.R.-R.)
- Ponce Research Institute, Ponce 00716, Puerto Rico;
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Torres-Blasco N, Rosario-Ramos L, Arguelles C, Marrero ST, Rivera T, Vicente Z, Navedo ME, Burgos R, Garriga M, del Carmen Pacheco M, Lopez B. Development of a Community-Based Communication Intervention among Latin Caregivers of Patients Coping with Cancer. Healthcare (Basel) 2024; 12:841. [PMID: 38667603 PMCID: PMC11050426 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare12080841] [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: 02/02/2024] [Revised: 04/14/2024] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Background: Cancer affects the emotional well-being of patients and caregivers, highlighting the need for effective communication strategies. This study explores a community-based communication intervention for Latino caregiver-patient dyads coping with cancer. The acceptability of the intervention, along with its associated facilitators and barriers, are crucial considerations. Methods: Three focus group interviews involved healthcare providers, community partners, patients, and caregivers to discuss the communication needs of this population and the components of a communication intervention while identifying facilitators and barriers to the intervention. Qualitative thematic content analysis was conducted using Nvivo v12, ensuring reliability through independent analysis and consensus building. Results: Participants (89% female, average age of 53) included patients (30%), caregivers (30%), community partners (25%), and healthcare providers (15%), and they discussed the overall acceptability of adapting a communication intervention, where they emphasized benefits for caregivers and patients, primarily through support groups. Communication strategies accepted by participants include psychological support, cancer education, assertive communication skills, and methods for improved interactions with healthcare providers and extended family. Conclusions: Participants' responses align with the current literature, emphasizing problem-solving, mutual support, and communication strategies and underscoring the role of community partners. The study underlines the necessity for culturally tailored communication interventions for Latino families facing cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Normarie Torres-Blasco
- School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences, Ponce Health Sciences University, Ponce 00716, Puerto Rico; (L.R.-R.); (C.A.); (S.T.M.); (T.R.); (Z.V.); (R.B.); (M.G.); (M.d.C.P.); (B.L.)
- Ponce Research Institute, Ponce 00716, Puerto Rico
| | - Lianel Rosario-Ramos
- School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences, Ponce Health Sciences University, Ponce 00716, Puerto Rico; (L.R.-R.); (C.A.); (S.T.M.); (T.R.); (Z.V.); (R.B.); (M.G.); (M.d.C.P.); (B.L.)
| | - Carled Arguelles
- School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences, Ponce Health Sciences University, Ponce 00716, Puerto Rico; (L.R.-R.); (C.A.); (S.T.M.); (T.R.); (Z.V.); (R.B.); (M.G.); (M.d.C.P.); (B.L.)
| | - Stephanie Torres Marrero
- School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences, Ponce Health Sciences University, Ponce 00716, Puerto Rico; (L.R.-R.); (C.A.); (S.T.M.); (T.R.); (Z.V.); (R.B.); (M.G.); (M.d.C.P.); (B.L.)
| | - Tiffany Rivera
- School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences, Ponce Health Sciences University, Ponce 00716, Puerto Rico; (L.R.-R.); (C.A.); (S.T.M.); (T.R.); (Z.V.); (R.B.); (M.G.); (M.d.C.P.); (B.L.)
| | - Zulay Vicente
- School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences, Ponce Health Sciences University, Ponce 00716, Puerto Rico; (L.R.-R.); (C.A.); (S.T.M.); (T.R.); (Z.V.); (R.B.); (M.G.); (M.d.C.P.); (B.L.)
| | - Maria Elena Navedo
- Department of Medicine, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT 06269, USA;
| | - Rosael Burgos
- School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences, Ponce Health Sciences University, Ponce 00716, Puerto Rico; (L.R.-R.); (C.A.); (S.T.M.); (T.R.); (Z.V.); (R.B.); (M.G.); (M.d.C.P.); (B.L.)
| | - Mayra Garriga
- School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences, Ponce Health Sciences University, Ponce 00716, Puerto Rico; (L.R.-R.); (C.A.); (S.T.M.); (T.R.); (Z.V.); (R.B.); (M.G.); (M.d.C.P.); (B.L.)
| | - Maria del Carmen Pacheco
- School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences, Ponce Health Sciences University, Ponce 00716, Puerto Rico; (L.R.-R.); (C.A.); (S.T.M.); (T.R.); (Z.V.); (R.B.); (M.G.); (M.d.C.P.); (B.L.)
| | - Betsy Lopez
- School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences, Ponce Health Sciences University, Ponce 00716, Puerto Rico; (L.R.-R.); (C.A.); (S.T.M.); (T.R.); (Z.V.); (R.B.); (M.G.); (M.d.C.P.); (B.L.)
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Torres-Blasco N, Rosario-Ramos L, Navedo ME, Peña-Vargas C, Costas-Muñiz R, Castro-Figueroa E. Importance of Communication Skills Training and Meaning Centered Psychotherapy Concepts among Patients and Caregivers Coping with Advanced Cancer. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:4458. [PMID: 36901468 PMCID: PMC10002270 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20054458] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2023] [Revised: 02/24/2023] [Accepted: 02/28/2023] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
Latinos are more likely to be diagnosed with advanced cancer and have specific existential and communication needs. Concepts within Meaning-Centered Psychotherapy (MCP) interventions and Communications Skills Training (CST) assist patients in attending to these needs. However, Latino-tailored MCP interventions have yet to be adapted for advanced cancer patients and caregivers. A cross-sectional survey was administered to Latino advanced cancer patients and caregivers where participants rated the importance of the goals and concepts of MCP and CST. Fifty-seven (n = 57) Latino advanced cancer patients and fifty-seven (n = 57) caregivers completed the survey. Most participants rated MCP concepts as extremely important, ranging from 73.75% to 95.5%. Additionally, 86.8% favored finding meaning in their life after a cancer diagnosis. Participants (80.7%) also selected the concept of finding and maintaining hope to cope with their cancer diagnosis. Finally, participants found CST concepts and skills acceptable, ranging from 81.6% to 91.2%. Results indicate the acceptability of Meaning-Centered Therapy and Communication Skills Training among Latino advanced cancer patients and caregivers coping with advanced cancer. These results will inform the topics to be discussed in a culturally adapted psychosocial intervention for advanced cancer patients and their informal caregivers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Normarie Torres-Blasco
- School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences, Ponce Health Sciences University, Ponce, PR 00716, USA
- Ponce Research Institute, Ponce Health Sciences University, Ponce, PR 00716, USA
| | - Lianel Rosario-Ramos
- School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences, Ponce Health Sciences University, Ponce, PR 00716, USA
| | | | - Cristina Peña-Vargas
- Ponce Research Institute, Ponce Health Sciences University, Ponce, PR 00716, USA
| | - Rosario Costas-Muñiz
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Eida Castro-Figueroa
- School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences, Ponce Health Sciences University, Ponce, PR 00716, USA
- Ponce Research Institute, Ponce Health Sciences University, Ponce, PR 00716, USA
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Larson KL, Jewell GD, Maldonado MF, Braxton ME, Johnson LA. Call the Rezadora: Aiding Latino Families at the End of Life. HISPANIC HEALTH CARE INTERNATIONAL 2021; 20:147-155. [PMID: 34219506 DOI: 10.1177/15404153211028992] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The rezadora, a lay spiritual leader, provides support to Latino families as they provide end-of-life (EOL) care for loved ones. The purpose of this study was to learn about the work of the rezadora in Guatemala as a resource for Latinos with serious illness in the United States. METHODS An ethnographic exploratory case study was conducted during summer 2018 in rural Guatemala. We interviewed three rezadoras who resided in two villages. The study yielded two cases, the single case and the paired case, which allowed for a holistic view of how the rezadora serves the community. RESULTS Content and thematic analysis led to two themes: Essence of being called and Power of prayerful song. Essence of being called was represented by the prominence of the rezadora and their perpetual faith work. Power of prayerful song was characterized through the mission, customs, and the presence of the rezadora. A good death was aided by the rezadora in this context. CONCLUSIONS As the Latino population ages in place, the need for palliative and EOL care services will increase. Lay spiritual leaders could enhance the palliative care teams in these communities and improve the quality of life for Latinos with serious illness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kim L Larson
- College of Nursing, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, USA
| | | | | | | | - Lee Ann Johnson
- School of Nursing, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
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