Current Advances in Palliative & Hospice Care: Problems and Needs of Relatives and Family Caregivers During Palliative and Hospice Care-An Overview of Current Literature

Enhanced supportive care: prospective cohort study of oncology patients and caregivers

OBJECTIVES

A prospective cohort study to evaluate clinical effectiveness of the enhanced supportive care (ESC) service at a comprehensive cancer centre and to explore the impact of the service on patient and caregiver outcomes and experience.

METHODS

Patients who received care under the ESC service and their caregivers were eligible. Consented patients (n=184) and caregivers (n=67) completed questionnaires at baseline, 4 weeks and 8 weeks post-ESC. Patient questionnaires assessed quality of life (QOL), symptoms, experience of ESC and health service use. Caregiver questionnaires included QOL and needs assessment. Selected patients (n=13) participated in qualitative interviews. Quantitative analysis explored differences in questionnaire responses over time (p<0.05). Qualitative data were analysed thematically.

RESULTS

Patient quantitative data showed improvements in QOL (p=0.004 for European Quality of Life Questionnaire 5 dimensions (EQ5D) health index scores) and anxiety (p=0.006) at 4 weeks, reduction in some symptoms (pain p=0.02 at 4 weeks), improvement in self-efficacy, an increase in problems being addressed and a decrease in health service use (reduction in outpatient appointments). Qualitative findings suggested patients were generally satisfied with the ESC service but identified areas for improvement such as increased awareness of ESC and earlier referral. Fewer improvements were noted for caregivers; however, they did report a decrease in unmet needs.

CONCLUSION

The ESC service had a positive impact on various patient-reported and caregiver-reported outcomes. There were also positive impacts on health service use. Increasing awareness of ESC and engaging patients at an earlier stage in the disease trajectory may further improve patient satisfaction and outcomes.

Family Caregiver Reports of Their Own and Patient Symptoms in Cancer Home Hospice Approaching End-of-Life

Context: Family caregivers assume the primary responsibility of assessing and managing hospice cancer patient symptoms while simultaneously managing their own wellbeing and symptoms. Objectives: Describe caregivers' assessment of hospice cancer patient and their own symptoms during the last 60 days of patient life, and assess the relationship between patient and caregiver symptoms over time. Methods: Caregiver symptom report of self and cancer home hospice patient symptom data were collected via telephone in the final 60 days of patient life. Descriptive data on symptom severity and prevalence were summarized. Exploratory Factor Analysis was used to group individual symptoms. Factors representing patient symptoms, caregiver symptoms, and caregiver outlook were analyzed using mixed-effects analysis to determine relationships between factors and change in relationship between factors over time. Results: Data from 61 patient-caregiver dyads are presented. At least 1 day of moderate-to-severe symptoms were reported in the majority of dyads. Significant auto-regressive associations were found, namely previous factor scores for an individual positively predicted the next factor scores for that individual. Previous caregiver report of patient symptoms was also positively associated with the next report of caregiver symptoms; previous caregiver report of their own symptoms were negatively associated with their next report of patient symptoms. Patient and caregiver symptoms and caregiver outlook worsened over time and the relationship between patient and caregiver symptoms strengthened closer to death. Conclusion: Our findings may guide hospice care team responses to caregiver and patient symptoms to promote individual level and unit level functioning.

Agencies Displayed by Patients, Medical Teams, and Caregivers at the End of Life from the Perspectives of Family Members - A Qualitative Study

Background: End-of-life (EoL) Care is challenging for terminally-ill patients and their caregivers. This research is aimed to examine the relational agencies of the patients, the caregivers, and the medical teams in the context of EoL care, with a particular emphasis on the caregivers. Methods: This study is based on the qualitative analysis of interviews with 12 individuals who were closely supported a loved one to their death from a terminal illness. Results: Information collected revealed several agency-related themes. Family caregivers are significant entities in managing the 'case' of a seriously ill individual. At the final or more advanced stages of the EoL process, caregivers gradually shift from a supportive role to being active agents, but not always backed by the necessary experience, knowledge, or the requisite emotional resilience. Conclusions: Based on recognizing their agentic proactivity, a clear and elaborate articulation of the family caregivers' roles is needed.

Hospice Caregivers' Perception of Family and Non-Family Social Support and Stress over Time: Associations with Reports of General Support

Social support has been identified as a key factor to protect wellbeing for home hospice cancer caregivers. However, few studies have assessed social support over time in this context, and measures of support are often limited to general assessments of perceived support. Our goal was to (1) describe change in cancer home hospice caregivers' social support over time during care and into bereavement and (2) explore the impact of perceived stress and support from family and non-family members on caregivers' perceived general social support. We conducted a secondary analysis of longitudinal prospective questionnaire data. Forty caregivers completed measures of general perceived support, family and non-family support and stress during hospice enrollment and 2 and 6 months post the patient's death. Linear mixed models were used to determine change in support over time and the contribution of specific support/stress ratings to general support assessments. Caregivers overall had moderate and stable levels of social support over time, though there was significant variation between and within individuals. Family and non-family support and stress from family predicted general perceptions of social support, while no effects were found for non-family stress. This work suggests a need for more specific measures of support and stress, and the need for research to focus on improving baseline levels of caregiver perceived support.

Effect of Self-Chosen Music in Alleviating the Burden on Family Caregivers of Patients with Advanced Cancer: A Randomised Controlled Trial

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, η²_p = 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.

The significance of the COVID-19 pandemic for family caregivers of non-COVID-19 patients in need of specialized palliative care at home: a qualitative study

Purpose

It is well known that being a family caregiver of a palliative patient in general is rewarding as well as burdensome. The COVID-19 pandemic may have exacerbated this situation. We therefore explored the significance of the COVID-19 pandemic for family caregivers of non-COVID-19 patients in need of specialized palliative care at home.

Methods

Open-ended, semi-structured telephone interviews were conducted with 15 family caregivers of patients treated by a specialized palliative outpatient unit in a Danish hospital. Interviews were analysed using inductive thematic analysis.

Results

Four themes concerning the significance of the COVID-19 pandemic were identified: 1) being a family caregiver of a patient whose lifespan is already limited, 2) dealing with the risk of passing on COVID-19 oneself, 3) dealing with the risk of others passing on COVID-19 to the patient at home, and 4) living with modified specialized palliative care.

Conclusion

The COVID-19 pandemic had a radical impact on some family caregivers causing emotional despair. They feared not only infecting the patient with SARS-CoV-2 to cause an untimely death but also being unable to be there for the patient during hospitalization, especially in the patient’s final days.

Higher levels of unmet support needs in spouses are associated with poorer quality of life - a descriptive cross-sectional study in the context of palliative home care

Background

Family caregivers often report having unmet support needs when caring for someone with life-threatening illness. They are at risk for psychological distress, adverse physical symptoms and negatively affected quality of life. This study aims to explore associations between family caregivers’ support needs and quality of life when caring for a spouse receiving specialized palliative home care.

Methods

A descriptive cross-sectional design was used: 114 family caregivers completed the Carer Support Needs Assessment Tool (CSNAT) and the Quality of Life in Life-Threatening Illness – Family caregiver version (QOLLTI-F) and 43 of them also answered one open-ended question on thoughts about their situation. Descriptive statistics, multiple linear regression analyses, and qualitative content analysis, were used for analyses.

Results

Higher levels of unmet support needs were significantly associated with poorer quality of life. All CSNAT support domains were significantly associated with one or more quality of life domains in QOLLTI-F, with the exception of the QoL domain related to distress about the patient condition. However, family caregivers described in the open-ended question that their life was disrupted by the patient’s life-threatening illness and its consequences. Family caregivers reported most the need of more support concerning knowing what to expect in the future, which they also described as worries and concerns about what the illness would mean for them and the patient further on. Lowest QoL was reported in relation to the patient’s condition, and the family caregiver’s own physical and emotional health.

Conclusion

With a deeper understanding of the complexities of supporting family caregivers in palliative care, healthcare professionals might help to increase family caregivers’ QoL by revealing their problems and concerns. Thus, tailored support is needed.

Grieves and struggles of family caregivers providing care for bedridden elderly patients affected by chronic degenerative diseases

OBJECTIVES

To understand grieves and struggles of family caregivers providing care for bedridden elderly patients affected by chronic degenerative diseases.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study was developed following the guidelines of the clinical-qualitative method. The sample was composed of 10 female family caregivers of bedridden elderly patients affected by chronic degenerative diseases in a city in the interior of Minas Gerais, Brazil. The sample size was determined by data saturation. The instruments used included semi-structured interviews and a field diary. The audio-recorded interviews were transcribed verbatim and submitted to content analysis. The field diary provided contributions to the organization of categories, conferring a more accurate context.

RESULTS

The participants experienced two types of grief, one for the loss of a "healthy family member" and the other for the "announced death" of this person. Additionally, the participants faced two main struggles: overcoming (objective and subjective) fatigue and becoming fully capable of performing their roles.

CONCLUSIONS

The family caregivers of bedridden elderly patients affected by chronic degenerative diseases experience grieves and struggles that should be taken into account from the beginning of the care process through mental health actions intended to meet their needs.

Exploring the psychological impact of life-limiting illness using the Attitude to Health Change scales: A qualitative focus group study in a hospice palliative care setting

OBJECTIVE

Practitioners are often reluctant to engage in conversations that acknowledge patient's health concerns. This can affect patient and family carer psychological well-being. The Attitude to Health Change scales, adapted from the validated Adult Attitude to Grief scale, may have potential to address the psychological impact of illness and facilitate conversations in palliative care. To explore how health and social care professionals experience using the Attitude to Health Change Scales within hospice settings.

METHODS

Qualitative focus groups with practitioners currently using the Attitude to Health Change scales in three UK hospices. Two researchers conducted the interviews, developed the thematic framework and independently coded the transcripts using a framework analysis approach.

RESULTS

Three focus groups (n = 21 practitioners). The scale was used to assess and reassess levels of vulnerability and resilience to identify the need for support and to facilitate structured in-depth conversations. Factors that influenced scale implementation included the following: practitioner personal comfort and training; patient and family carer willingness to engage with the scales and having a practitioner "champion" within the organisation.

CONCLUSION

This exploratory work has identified the potential value of the scales for assessment and to facilitate conversations. Further research needs to incorporate the views of patients and family carers.

Supporting the patients with advanced cancer and their family caregivers: what are their palliative care needs?

Background

The impact and consequences of cancer on the patients and their family caregivers (FCs) are closely intertwined. Caregivers’ burdens can be increased due to the patients’ unmet needs and unresolved problems. Additionally, the caregivers’ unmet needs may adversely affect their own well-being and the patients’ health outcomes. This study aims to determine the palliative care needs and the factors associated with these needs in patients with advanced solid cancer and their FCs.

Methods

In a cross-sectional survey, 599 patients with advanced solid tumours and 599 FCs were recruited from the largest ambulatory cancer centre and the inpatient ward of the largest hospital in Singapore. Determinants of patients’ and FCs’ needs were assessed by the Comprehensive Needs Assessment Tool (CNAT) and CNAT-C respectively. Clinical characteristics of patients were obtained from medical records.

Results

The FCs (median age 51 years) were younger than the patients (median age 62 years), and were mostly female (62.6%) whereas the gender distribution of patients was quite balanced (49.2% male and 50.8% female). Both patients and FCs had “information” and “practical support” in their top three domains of palliative care needs. The second highest domain of needs was “psychological problems” (16.4 ± 21.5) in patients and “health-care staff” (23.4 ± 26.5) in FCs. The item that had the highest need score in “information” domain for both patients and FCs was “financial support for patients, either from government and/ or private organizations”. Under clinical setting, the inpatients (19.2 ± 16.4) and their FCs (26.0 ± 19.0) tend to have higher needs than the outpatients (10.5 ± 12.1) and their FCs (14.7 ± 14.3). In terms of palliative care, higher total CNAT score was observed in both patients (16.6 ± 12.9 versus 13.3 ± 15.2) and their FCs (25.1 ± 18.6 versus 17.7 ± 16.7) who received palliative care. In terms of patients’ KPS scores, patients with lower KPS scores tend to have higher needs.

Conclusion

Overall, the findings confirm that patients with advanced cancer and their FCs have many palliative care needs irrespective of their clinical settings. Initiatives and interventions for the development of a comprehensive support system for both patients with advanced cancer and their FCs are warranted and can be derived from these findings.

Palliative Care Interventions from a Social Work Perspective and the Challenges Faced by Patients and Caregivers during COVID-19

Aim

The aim of this article is to describe the range of challenges faced by both patients and caregivers during the lockdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic. It also seeks to describe the nature of interventions provided by the social work team to address these challenges. In addition, it aims to highlight the lessons that can be learnt in supporting families on palliative care in such unique disaster situations.

Methods

This exploratory study uses a qualitative approach and analyses the perceptions of patients, their caregivers, and the staff in providing care. Out of 30 patients worked with during the lockdown period, a total of nine families were selected that had received services during this time. The challenges faced and the interventions provided were analyzed using Framework analysis. We then used this framework to develop the themes that have been presented in the article.

Results

The analysis indicates that the range of challenges faced by patients included physical distress due lack of availability of medicines and nursing care; emotional distress due to the interruption of cancer treatment; financial and social distress about loss of incomes, isolation; and spiritual distress due to the uncertainty of last rites as well as fulfilment of last wishes. The concerns outlined by caregivers included: living with guilt due to the inability to ease their relative's distress; the stress of constant care giving; lack of information about available services and confidence to ask for help from others as well as the dealing with the grief of a dying relative. These families were supported through telephone calls and home visits for critical patients with the social work team providing active listening, reassurance, empathy, and networking to assist patients and families at this time.

Conclusion

Palliative care is an essential component, especially in a disaster-related situation such as the COVID pandemic as patients and caregivers are left more vulnerable at this time. Telephonic and video calls play an important role in supporting patients and caregivers and in the most critical cases. However, it is also important to find the ways to provide direct home-based support to patients and families at this time so that they feel less alone, cope better, and experience meaningful support to build their resilience.

Development and Implementation of the Family Caregiver Decision Guide

Care provided by family is the backbone of palliative care in Canada. The critical roles performed by caregivers can at the same time be intensely meaningful and intensely stressful. However, experiences of caregiving can be enhanced when caregivers feel they are making informed and reflective decisions about the options available to them. With this in mind, the purpose of this five-phase research project was to create a Family Caregiver Decision Guide (FCDG). The Guide entails four steps: thinking about the current caregiving situation, imagining how the caregiving situation may change, exploring available options, and considering best options if caregiving needs change. The FCDG was based on available evidence and was developed and refined using focus groups, cognitive interviewing, and a feasibility and acceptability study. Finally, an interactive version of the Guide was created for online use ( https://www.caregiverdecisionguide.ca ). In this article, we describe the development, evaluation, and utility of the FCDG.