Psychosocial Interventions for Patients and Caregivers in the Age of New Communication Technologies: Opportunities and Challenges in Cancer Care

Abstract

Interactive health communication technologies (IHCTs) present a new opportunity and challenge for cancer control researchers who focus on couple and family-based psychosocial interventions. In this article we first present findings from a systematic review of eight studies that utilized IHCTs in psychosocial interventions with cancer patients and their caregivers. Although this research area is still in its infancy, studies suggest that it is feasible to incorporate IHCTs in such interventions, that IHCTs are generally well-accepted by patients and caregivers, and that the choice of technology is largely dependent on intervention target (i.e., patient, caregiver, or both) and outcomes (e.g., decision-making, symptom management, lifestyle behaviors). A major research gap has been the lack of integration of Web 2.0 technologies (e.g., social media), despite the fact that social support and communication are frequently targeted components of interventions that involve cancer patients and their caregivers. Given this, we next present findings from a qualitative study that we conducted to describe the different needs and preferences of 13 cancer survivors and 12 caregivers with regard to social media use. Finally, we discuss some of the opportunities and challenges of using IHCTs in psychosocial interventions for cancer patients and their caregivers and propose directions for future research.

Fear of cancer recurrence in survivor and caregiver dyads: differences by sexual orientation and how dyad members influence each other

“…In contrast, social support and discrimination experiences are mutable factors suitable for interventions to reduce FOR. The importance of social support as a mechanism suitable for interventions to reduce caregivers and survivors’ FOR has already been suggested by others [50]. …”

Development and usability testing of a web-based self-management intervention for oral cancer survivors and their family caregivers

“…The study was approved by The Mount Sinai Institutional Review Board. Given the dearth of dyadic web-based interventions in cancer that target both the individual with cancer and his or her caregiver (Badr et al 2015a), each step of the CARES development and evaluation process as well as relevant findings is described in detail below. Our hope is that these steps may serve as a guide for others who are considering developing similar interventions.…”

“…Unlike the vast majority of web‐based interventions in cancer (Badr et al . ), CARES targets both OC survivors and their family caregivers, who play a critical role in home care and supporting adherence (Dimatteo ).…”

“…The programme is grounded in Self-Determination Theory (SDT) which is a motivational theory based on the idea that the fundamental psychological needs for competence, autonomy and relatedness are essential for promoting the internalisation of new behaviours and well-being (Deci & Ryan 2011). Unlike the vast majority of web-based interventions in cancer (Badr et al 2015a), CARES targets both OC survivors and their family caregivers, who play a critical role in home care and supporting adherence (Dimatteo 2004).…”

Closer: A videoconference intervention for distance caregivers of cancer patients

“…Yet, despite these challenges, DCGs are often on their own to find information and emotional support (Joseph & Hallman, ; Mazanec et al, ). Interventions designed to support caregivers using tailored strategies to increase self‐efficacy and emotional support have been effective in reducing distress, anxiety, and depression and have the potential to improve patient's emotional outcomes as well (Badr, Carmack, & Diefenbach, ; DuBenske et al, ; Hodges, Humphris, & Macfarlane, ; Northouse et al, ; Northouse, Mood, Templin, Mellon, & George, ; Williams & Bakitas, ). However, delivery of such interventions can pose unique problems when DCGs are involved.…”