Partners of Cancer Patients

Carlson, Linda E.; Bultz, Barry D.; Speca, Michael; St-Pierre, Mireille

doi:10.1300/j077v18n03_03

Cited by 32 publications

(13 citation statements)

References 30 publications

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“…In line with the fact that partners are (often) unaware of their own health complaints and therefore do not ask for help [9,14,40], participants in this study rated the topic “taking care of oneself” as less important than the other topics. Based on these outcomes, we think it is essential that an intervention targeting this group should be framed as informal and easily accessible support, from a positive perspective.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Needs and Preferences of Partners of Cancer Patients Regarding a Web-Based Psychological Intervention: A Qualitative Study

Köhle¹,

Drossaert²,

Oosterik³

et al. 2015

JMIR Cancer

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BackgroundEvidence-based, easily accessible, supportive interventions for partners of cancer patients are limited, despite the fact that they often suffer from diminished emotional, social, physical, and relational functioning. To develop a new intervention that will fit their demands, it is important to consult potential users.ObjectiveTo examine partners’ interest in a Web-based psychological intervention and to identify their needs and wishes regarding such an intervention.MethodsSemistructured interviews were conducted with 16 partners of cancer patients, who varied in terms of age, gender, education, employment, type, and stage of disease. Partners were asked (1) whether they would use a psychological Web-based intervention and which preconditions (maximum time, structure, participate alone or with their partner) it should meet; (2) which functionalities (information, peer support, online psychological counseling) the intervention should contain; and (3) which topics (eg, taking care of oneself) should be addressed. Data were coded by 2 coders independently.ResultsThe need for a Web-based intervention varied. Arguments for being interested in a Web-based intervention included the need for acknowledgement; the need for someone they could talk to; and the need for information, tips, and support. Based on their experiences as a partner of a cancer patient, participants would prefer an intervention that is not too time-consuming (about 1-2 hours a week) and which is based on a “step-by-step” approach, meaning that the content of the intervention should match the stage of their partner’s disease. Also, they would prefer a positive approach, which means that the intervention should be a source of hope and energy. Most participants stated that they would prefer to participate without their ill spouse, because they do not want to burden their partners with their own problems. An intervention should contain information and optional peer support. Participants’ opinions about online psychological counseling in the intervention were divided. Arguments for online psychological counseling were that a professional could check on them and they were able to ask questions. Arguments against online counseling were that partners were not in need for guidance or they had enough support from usual care. Topics with the highest priority were “coping with feelings and emotions,” “should I or shouldn’t I spare my partner?,” “communicating with each other,” “asking for help and refusing help,” and “moving on with life after cancer treatment.” Furthermore, participants suggested additional topics of “dare to enjoy” and “acceptance of the patient’s disease.”ConclusionsA Web-based intervention can be a valuable addition to existing support initiatives for partners of cancer patients. This study provides important information about the content and form of such an intervention. Flexibility and a positive approach seem to be the most important features.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Needs and Preferences of Partners of Cancer Patients Regarding a Web-Based Psychological Intervention: A Qualitative Study

Köhle¹,

Drossaert²,

Oosterik³

et al. 2015

JMIR Cancer

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“…It is generally accepted that cancer is a family affair. Not only the patient, but everybody who loves him/her also faces the consequences of the disease and treatment, which may include disruptions to their daily lives, anxiety, fears about cancer recurrence, and fears of loss and death ( 2 - 8 ).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

The Effects of a Patient-Caregiver Education and Follow-Up Program on the Breast Cancer Caregiver Strain Index

Nejad¹,

Aghdam²,

Hassankhani³

et al. 2016

Iran Red Crescent Med J

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Background:In recent years, the caregiving responsibilities of cancer patients’ family members have increased dramatically. Reducing caregiver strain and burden supports the mission of professional nursing.Objectives:The aim of this study was to determine and compare the caregiver strain index scores of breast cancer informal caregivers, before and after a patient-caregiver educational and telephone follow-up program.Patients and Methods:This is an experimental two-group design study. Participants were recruited from an outpatient chemotherapy unit of the largest hematology and oncology research center in Northwest Iran. Thirty patient-caregiver pairs were randomly allocated to intervention and control groups. The intervention group received 2 face-to-face education sessions at bedside and 4 subsequent telephone follow-up sessions. The control group received routine care. Pre and post tests were administered in both groups pre and post intervention. To analyze the data, SPSS (13th version) software was used.Results:The caregiver strain index decreased significantly in the intervention group after the patient-caregiver education and follow-up (P < 0.001), while the control group’s scores did not change (P = 0.04).Conclusions:It appears that the patient-caregiver education and follow-up program had a beneficial effect on the caregiver strain index compared to the usual care.

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“…Dyadic research has found that coping with cancer treatment can challenge a couple's established communication patterns, roles, and responsibilities , leading to significant adjustment issues, communication difficulties, decreased intimacy and greater interpersonal conflict over time . In a study of 189 patients with localized prostate cancer and their female partners, partner's mental health was most affected by the mental health and by the physical complaint of sexual bother .…”

mentioning

confidence: 99%

Effects of physical and mental health on relationship satisfaction: a dyadic, longitudinal examination of couples facing prostate cancer

et al. 2015

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Partners of Cancer Patients

Cited by 32 publications

References 30 publications

Needs and Preferences of Partners of Cancer Patients Regarding a Web-Based Psychological Intervention: A Qualitative Study

Needs and Preferences of Partners of Cancer Patients Regarding a Web-Based Psychological Intervention: A Qualitative Study

The Effects of a Patient-Caregiver Education and Follow-Up Program on the Breast Cancer Caregiver Strain Index

Effects of physical and mental health on relationship satisfaction: a dyadic, longitudinal examination of couples facing prostate cancer

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