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Evaluation of quality of life in caregivers who are providing home care to cancer patients

Purpose: The author aimed to evaluate the quality of life and the factors affecting the caregivers of cancer patients receiving home care. Methods: This cross-sectional descriptive study was performed in 48 cancer patients who were served from home care unit and 48 caregivers between 01 and 28 February 2014. Patients' functional status was evaluated with Katz Index for Activities of Daily Living and the Lawton Scale for Instrumental Activities of Daily Living.

Mon, 09/10/2018 - 12:57

Experiences of caregivers of patients with metastatic cancer: What can we learn from them to better support them?

Purpose: Family caregivers of cancer patients often face strains within their role and report various unmet needs. The aim of this qualitative study was to examine metastatic cancer caregivers' experiences within their role.; Methods: A cross-sectional study using focus group interviews with caregivers of metastatic cancer patients (n = 17) recruited from an oncology hospital in Cyprus was conducted.

Mon, 08/20/2018 - 15:46

Psychological and psychiatric symptoms of terminally ill patients with cancer and their family caregivers in the home-care setting: A nation-wide survey from the perspective of bereaved family members in Japan

Objective: The psychological and psychiatric symptoms of terminally ill cancer patients are highly problematic and have been associated with greater burden among caregivers. Until now, the extent of these problems in the home care setting was unclear.; Methods: This retrospective study was conducted as part of a nationwide survey from the perspective of bereaved family members in Japan (J-HOPE3).

Fri, 08/17/2018 - 16:51

Creating an upward spiral: A qualitative study of caregivers' experience of participating in a structured physical activity programme

Family caregivers' physical and emotional well-being may be negatively impacted while in the caregiver role. Interventions to support caregiver health have largely focused on psychological support, with only a few studies to date evaluating the role of exercise. Of the exercise studies conducted, there has been one qualitative study examining caregivers' perspectives on the value and impact of this type of intervention.

Thu, 08/16/2018 - 14:31

The experiences of caregivers of patients with delirium, and their role in its management in palliative care settings: an integrative literature review

Objectives: To explore the experiences of caregivers of terminally ill patients with delirium, to determine the potential role of caregivers in the management of delirium at the end of life, to identify the support required to improve caregiver experience and to help the caregiver support the patient. Methods: Four electronic databases were searched-PsychInfo, Medline, Cinahl and Scopus from January 2000 to July 2015 using the terms 'delirium', 'terminal restlessness' or 'agitated restlessness' combined with 'carer' or 'caregiver' or 'family' or 'families'.

Wed, 06/06/2018 - 11:52

Rasch analysis of the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale among caregivers of cancer survivors: implications for its use in psycho-oncology

Objective: The Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) is often used to screen for cancer caregivers' anxiety and depression, despite few studies examining the tool's psychometric performance within this population. The purpose of this article is to use Rasch analysis to assess the psychometric properties of the HADS in a sample of cancer caregivers.

Methods: HADS was administered to 541 caregivers of a population-based sample of patients diagnosed with one of the eight most incident cancers in Australia. Rasch analysis was conducted using RUMM2020.

Thu, 07/20/2017 - 15:23

How can informal caregivers in cancer and palliative care be supported? An updated systematic literature review of interventions and their effectiveness

Introduction: Informal caregivers needs in cancer/advanced disease are largely unmet. The science of carer intervention evaluation is methodologically challenging, and the evidence historically weak.

Objective: This systematic review updates an earlier effectiveness review to determine both the effectiveness of subsequently published intervention studies, and the current state of science.

Thu, 07/20/2017 - 15:23

Out-of-hours palliative care: a qualitative study of cancer patients, carers and professionals

Background: New out-of-hours healthcare services in the UK are intended to offer simple, convenient access and effective triage. They may be unsatisfactory for patients with complex needs, where continuity of care is important.

Aim: To explore the experiences and perceptions of out-of-hours care of patients with advanced cancer, and with their informal and professional carers.

Design of study: Qualitative, community-based study using in-depth interviews, focus groups and telephone interviews.

Thu, 07/20/2017 - 15:22

Exploring the other side of cancer care: the informal caregiver

Objectives: To identify the caregiver outcomes among relatives caring for patients with cancer and to examine the patient and family caregiver variables that predicted for caregiver burden and depression.

Thu, 07/20/2017 - 15:22

Informal carers of cancer patients: what are their unmet psychological needs?

This paper considers the significant unmet psychosocial needs of the informal carers of cancer patients, drawing on data generated in a 3-year UK study (1997–2000) on the psychosocial needs of cancer patients and their main carers. While the needs of the carers of cancer patients are increasingly being recognised in healthcare policy documents, there is relatively little published literature on these needs. A ‘significant unmet need’ is defined here as a need deemed important by the carer, but which has not been met.

Thu, 07/20/2017 - 15:21