The Role of Family Caregivers in the Care of Older Adults with Cancer

Sun, Virginia; Puts, Martine; Haase, Kristen; Pilleron, Sophie; Hannan, Michelle; Sattar, Schroder; Strohschein, Fay J.

doi:10.1016/j.soncn.2021.151232

Cited by 19 publications

(15 citation statements)

References 100 publications

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“…Family members and friends often provide vital care that includes practical, physical, psychosocial and financial support to people living with cancer [ 1 , 2 ]. With provision of supportive care increasingly shifting from the formal health system to the home, these individuals, often referred to as informal caregivers in the research literature, are increasingly expected to undertake care traditionally delivered by trained providers [ 3 , 4 ].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

The Relationship between Cancer Caregiver Burden and Psychological Outcomes: The Moderating Role of Social Connectedness

Yuen

Wilson

2021

Current Oncology

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The present study: (a) examined the extent of caregiver burden and psychological wellbeing and (b) tested whether social connectedness moderated the association between caregiver burden and psychological symptoms in caregivers of people with cancer. The cross-sectional survey study included 189 cancer caregivers (mean age = 36.19 years, standard deviation = 11.78; 80.4% female). Data were collected on caregiver burden, social connectedness, and depression and anxiety. Moderation analysis was conducted to examine the effect of social connectedness on the relationship between caregiver burden and depression and anxiety. Caregiver burden was positively associated with depression and anxiety symptoms. Controlling for significant demographic and caregiver characteristics, the moderation model showed as perceived social connectedness increased, the relationship between caregiver burden and depression decreased (β = −0.007, se = 0.004, 95% CI: −0.014, 0.000, p = 0.05). By contrast, social connectedness did not moderate the association between caregiver burden and anxiety. Findings have implications for the management of depression in cancer caregivers. Social connectedness appears to provide a protective buffer from the negative impacts of caregiving, providing increased psychological resources to manage the burden associated with caregiving, resulting in lower depression. Research on strategies to improve caregiver wellbeing through enhancing engagement with social networks in ways that improve perceived sense of connectedness with others is warranted.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

The Relationship between Cancer Caregiver Burden and Psychological Outcomes: The Moderating Role of Social Connectedness

Yuen

Wilson

2021

Current Oncology

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“…The sample size calculations were estimated using G*Power ® (Version 3.1.9.6). 14 For the qualitative analysis, we used conventional content analysis 81 to identify codes and categorize them. 82 A researcher (ER) coded and analyzed the data by listening to the recordings while reading the transcripts and noting initial reflections.…”

Section: Accepted Manuscriptmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…4,11 Family caregivers usually assist in activities of daily living (i.e., eating and dressing) and strengthen the care recipient's quality of life by providing social and emotional support. 9,10,[12][13][14][15][16][17][18] The family caregiver role can be time-consuming and challenging 4,19,20 and is commonly associated with stress and burden. 3,9,21,22 Family caregivers can be involved in caring for more than one individual, for example, their mother and father.…”

Section: Background and Significancementioning

confidence: 99%

Technology Acceptance of a Mobile Application to Support Family Caregivers in a Long-Term Care Facility

et al. 2022

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Background: Family caregivers are unpaid individuals who provide care to people with chronic conditions or disabilities. Family caregivers generally do not have formal care-related training. However, they are an essential source of care. Mobile technologies can benefit family caregivers by strengthening communication with care staff and supporting the monitoring of care recipients. Objective: We conducted a mixed-method study to evaluate the acceptance and usability of mobile technology called the Smart Care System. Methods: Using convenience sampling, we recruited 27 family caregivers to evaluate the mobile Smart Care System. In the quantitative phase, we administered initial and exit questionnaires based on the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology model. In the qualitative phase, we conducted focus groups to explore family caregivers’ perspectives and opinions on the usability of the mobile Smart Care System. With the quantitative data, we employed univariate, bivariate, and partial least squares analyses, and we used content analysis with the qualitative data. Results: We observed a high level of comfort using digital technologies among participants. On average, participants were caregivers for an average of 6.08 years (SD = 6.63), and their mean age was 56.65 years (SD = 11.62). We observed a high level of technology acceptance among family caregivers (7.69, SD = 2.11). Behavioral intention (β = 0.509, p-value = 0.004) and facilitating conditions (β = 0.310, p-value = 0.049) were statistically significant and related to usage behavior. In terms of qualitative results, participants reported that the mobile application supported care coordination and communication with staff and provided peace of mind to family caregivers. Conclusion: The technology showed a high technology acceptance and intention to use among family caregivers in a long-term care setting. Facilitating conditions influenced acceptance. Therefore, it would be important to identify and optimize these conditions to ensure technology uptake.

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“…As cancers progress, partnerships will inevitably transition to a “patient and caregiver” relationship [ 42 ]. We accept that.…”

Section: What More Can Be Done To Help Couples Stay As Couples In the Cancer Setting?mentioning

confidence: 99%

“Partner”, “Caregiver”, or “Co-Survivor”—Might the Label We Give the Partners of Cancer Patients Affect the Health Outcome of the Patients and Their Partners?

McGillivray

Piccolo²,

Wassersug

2021

Current Oncology

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Having a life partner significantly extends survival for most cancer patients. The label given to the partners of cancer patients may, however, influence the health of not just the patients but their partners. “Caregiver” is an increasingly common label for the partners of patients, but it carries an implicit burden. Referring to partners as “caregivers” may be detrimental to the partnerships, as it implies that the individuals are no longer able to be co-supportive. Recognizing this, there has been some effort to relabel cancer dyads as “co-survivors”. However, many cancer patients are not comfortable being called a “survivor”, and the same may apply to their partners. Cancer survivorship, we argue, could be enhanced by helping keep the bond between patients and their partners strong. This includes educating patients and partners about diverse coping strategies that individuals use when facing challenges to their health and wellbeing. We suggest that preemptive couples’ counselling in cancer centers may benefit both patients and their partners.

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The Role of Family Caregivers in the Care of Older Adults with Cancer

Cited by 19 publications

References 100 publications

The Relationship between Cancer Caregiver Burden and Psychological Outcomes: The Moderating Role of Social Connectedness

The Relationship between Cancer Caregiver Burden and Psychological Outcomes: The Moderating Role of Social Connectedness

Technology Acceptance of a Mobile Application to Support Family Caregivers in a Long-Term Care Facility

“Partner”, “Caregiver”, or “Co-Survivor”—Might the Label We Give the Partners of Cancer Patients Affect the Health Outcome of the Patients and Their Partners?

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