Leow, M., Chan, S., & Chan, M. (2015). A pilot randomized, controlled trial of the effectiveness of a psychoeducational intervention on family caregivers of patients with advanced cancer. Oncology Nursing Forum, 42, E63–E72.
To evaluate the efficacy of the Caring for the Caregiver Program (CCP) to enhance the quality of life of the caregivers of patients diagnosed with advanced cancer compared to caregivers who receive standard care
Participants were randomized to receive the intervention using CCP plus standard care or standard care from home Hospice providers. Two post-test measures were used at four and eight weeks postintervention. The CCP intervention was comprised of a one-hour, face-to-face session to develop a plan of care, a video clip, two follow-up phone calls, and an invitation to join an online social support group.
Pilot-randomized, controlled trial with a two-group pretest and repeated post-test
The CCP had a positive effect on family caregivers providing care to patients with advanced cancer.
Identifying at-risk caregivers and implementing a CCP intervention can improve the experience of patients with an advanced diagnosis of cancer and their caregivers. These types of interventions have the potential to decrease caregiver strain and burden by improving access to social supports and improving knowledge and self-efficacy.