Touch, Caring, and Cancer: randomized controlled trial of a multimedia caregiver education program

Abstract

PurposeA randomized controlled trial was conducted to evaluate outcomes of a multimedia instructional program for family caregivers in simple touch-based techniques to provide comfort to cancer patients at home.MethodsA multilingual 78-min DVD and 66-page manual were produced for homebased instruction. Content addresses attitudes and communication about touch in cancer, psychological preparation for giving and receiving touch, safety precautions, massage techniques for comfort and relaxation, acupressure for specific cancer-related symptoms, and practice in the home setting. Materials were produced in English, Spanish, and Chinese versions. A community-based multiethnic sample of 97 adult patient/caregiver dyads was randomized to experimental (massage) or attention control (reading) groups for 4 weeks. Massage dyads received the program and instructions to practice at least three times per week, while control caregivers read to their patients for the same frequency. Self-report instruments assessed change in symptom severity, quality of life, perceived stress, and caregiver attitudes.ResultsSignificant reductions in all symptoms occurred for patients after both activities: 12–28 % reductions after reading vs. 29–44 % after massage. Massage caregivers showed significant gains in confidence, comfort, and self-efficacy using touch and massage as forms of caregiving.ConclusionsMultimedia instruction in touch and massage methods may offer family members a viable means of enhancing self-efficacy and satisfaction in caregiving while decreasing patient pain, depression, and other symptoms. Family members may be able to learn and apply safe and simple methods that increase patient comfort and reduce distress.

Educational Programs for Family Caregivers in Palliative Care: A Literature Review

“…Two were extended to the general public and not only to caregivers [8,9]. These actions were intended to foster discussion on general topics [8][9][10] increase the caregivers ability for the caregiving role and his/her wellbeing [3,[10][11][12] and assess the effectiveness and level of impact of such interventions [13,14] in caregivers of patients with severe and progressive illness. A common point to all studies was the understanding that intervention groups facilitate the sharing of experiences.…”

“…Collinge et al [11] created some tools for data collection which were properly translated into the English, Spanish and Chinese languages. The "weekly reporting session" developed by these researchers assessed the physical symptoms in patients during the massage therapy session given by the caregivers contemplated in the educational program.…”

“…Hudson et al [13] added a third step which was conducted during the development of the program. The study by Collinge et al [11] was the only one to have a control group.…”

“…The study by Collinge et al [11] suggested that instructing caregivers about simple massages can improve the self-efficacy in managing the patient's symptoms and increase satisfaction in providing care. It is a program that can provide safety and comfort without the need for the patient and family to travel or move.…”

“…Regarding the massage program developed by Collinge et al [11] questions emerged to whether the success of the program could be influenced by the relationship developed between the participants. The authors concluded that future research on this kind of intervention should be based on a structured approach to qualitative data collection and analysis which can provide information about the quality of the patient-caregiver relationship.…”