Mahendran, R., Lim, H.A., Tan, J.Y.S., Hui, Y.N., Chua, J., Siew, E.L., . . . Kua, E.H. (2017). Evaluation of a brief pilot psychoeducational support group intervention for family caregivers of cancer patients: A quasi-experimental mixed-methods study. Health and Quality of Life Outcomes, 15, 1–8.
To evaluate the effects of a psychoeducational program (COPE) on caregivers of patients with cancer
The COPE (Caregivers of Cancer Outpatients' Psycho-Education Support Group Therapy) intervention was provided to caregivers during four weeks. The program included didactic content and supportive interventions in group sessions. Study measures were obtained before and after the intervention. A subgroup was invited to participate in semistructured interviews. Caregivers were placed in one of two groups, one of which was wait-listed and used as a control in the analysis.
PHASE OF CARE: Multiple phases of care
Nonrandomized, prospective, parallel group
No significant differences existed between study groups in postintervention caregiver quality of life overall or burden subscale scores. Those in the wait-list control group had much better quality of life scores at baseline.
The intervention studied here did not demonstrate an effect on caregiver burden or quality of life.
The specific psychoeducational program examined here did not demonstrate an effect on caregivers. Several limitations existed.