Closer: A videoconference intervention for distance caregivers of cancer patients

Abstract

Distance caregivers (DCGs) represent a growing demographic. The emotional burden of caregiving for a family member with cancer is amplified by the logistical challenges of providing support from afar. DCGs feel higher levels of distress, anxiety, and depression compared with local caregivers. Videoconference technology may alleviate both the emotional and practical burdens faced by DCGs. This is an ongoing randomized controlled trial in 32 outpatient ambulatory clinics at a large, urban, comprehensive cancer center. To date, 332 patient‐DCG dyads have been enrolled. DCGs must have internet access and have been identified by the patient as a source of support. The intervention period is 4 months. DCGs are randomized to one of three arms: DCGs in Arm 1 receive four coaching sessions with an advanced practice nurse or social worker and four videoconference appointments during the oncologist‐patient office visit. DCGs in Arm 2 participate in four videoconference appointments with the oncologist and patient, and Arm 3 is the control group, which receives access to information through a website. Primary outcome variables are DCG distress, anxiety, depression, burden, self‐efficacy, and emotional support. These data are collected electronically at baseline, 4 months, and 6 months. Patient distress, anxiety, and depression are also assessed at these same intervals using brief in‐person interviews. The change in each of the DCG outcomes over time will be examined by a repeated measures analysis of covariance.

Managing cancer in context of pandemic: a qualitative study to explore the emotional and behavioural responses of patients with cancer and their caregivers to COVID-19

“…These platforms become even more pertinent during the times of pandemic with social distancing policies and visitor limitations. 37 …”

Producing ‘Top Tips’ for Care Home Staff During the COVID-19 Pandemic in England: Rapid Reviews Inform Evidence-Based Practice but Reveal Major Gaps

“…The fact that families were not allowed to visit residents in care homes during COVID-19 prompted the question of 'how to best support families who are now caring at a distance'. Peer-reviewed literature on ' distance caregiving' focuses primarily on the logistics of having to coordinate care from a distance for people living at home, for example the co-ordination of shopping, banking and arranging medical appointments (Blackstone et al, 2019). This relies on local networks of friends, neighbours and allied health and social care practitioners (Franke et al, 2019) but has not been applied to care homes.…”

Psychoeducational Interventions for Caregivers of Persons With Multiple Sclerosis: Protocol for a Randomized Trial

“…The use of websites and other technologies (eg, videoconference) to deliver interventions has been well established, feasible, and acceptable to patients and caregivers [ 40 , 45 - 49 ]. In addition, previous research has noted the benefits of eHealth interventions for anxiety and depression, support for self-management activities, and improvement of family functioning in a variety of populations [ 41 , 43 , 46 , 48 ].…”