Patients with cancer and family caregivers: management of symptoms caused by cancer or cancer therapy at home

Abstract

Summary People are diagnosed with cancer sooner nowadays thanks to increased awareness and improvements in cancer screenings. Patients are able to live longer due to cancer treatment regimens; however, they suffer the consequences of living with cancer and therapy-related symptoms. Symptom management is challenging for both patients and family caregivers. Therefore, family members must be integrated in the patient’s care plan. For this review, a literature search was conducted to determine what types of interventions were available that involved family members of cancer patients with the management of cancer and therapy-related symptoms. The following interventions were found that were designed for the family caregivers or both the patient and caregiver to aide with symptom management: pain intervention program, massage therapy, telephone intervention, self-efficacy improvement, coping enhancement and a multidimensional intervention. A positive effect was noted in all the studies, but several had no significance in the patient intervention group but did in the caregiver intervention group. However, studies indicated decreased symptom intensity for various symptoms, decreased symptom distress for both the patient and caregiver, increased self-efficacy of the family member, and increased satisfaction with certain interventions. Further research should be conducted on both existing interventions to better determine their effect and on family symptom management of cancer patients as they need support from healthcare professionals as well.

Identity threat and stigma in cancer patients

“…There has been a shift in care for cancer patients in recent years. Improvements in medicine and technology have resulted in individuals with cancer living longer, even with advanced-stage disease (Hazelwood et al, 2012). Coupled with the transfer in clinical care from inpatient to outpatient settings, these movements have brought the cancer caregiver to the forefront of the care team (Van Ryn et al, 2011).…”

Responsibilities and Difficulties of Caregivers of Cancer Patients in Home Care

“…They help direct care activities such as physical care, symptom management, monitoring of changes etc. and also perform in-house activities such as shopping, child care, house care, cooking, laundry etc., as well as provide maintenance of care devices (infusion Ozlem Ugur*, Ayfer Elcigil, Deniz Arslan, Ayfer Sonmez pumps, intravenous fluid replacement, replacement of colostomy bag...), patient handling and ensuring patient safety (Wen and Gustafson, 2004;Stenberg et al, 2010;Hazelwood, 2012;Chang et al, 2013). However, it is reported in the literature that caregivers are not prepared sufficiently before the patient is discharged (Altun, 1998;Wen and Gustafson, 2004;Karabuga, 2009;Serfelova et al, 2012).…”

The role of responsibility in oncological emergency telephone calls

“…4,16,18,19 In this case, we must consider whether a problem-solving approach would increase their capacity to act or whether it would place an additional burden on the patients and caregivers, as requirements concerning self-care and self-management may demand strength and a surplus of resources. Even though Hazelwood et al 44 have found that caregivers became more confident in their own capacity to act, the training did not affect the patients’ well-being and physical symptoms. Therefore, this intervention was unable to provide patients with care and comfort, which is one of the main goals in nursing.…”

“…In our study, caregivers played an important role as a preliminary source of support for patients in their efforts to manage their illness. To enhance caregivers’ coping opportunities, Hazelwood et al 44 suggest a problem-solving approach, involving the ability to define problems, identify their need for professional help and possible barriers to their caregiving focus, implementing and adjusting care plans. However, both patients and caregivers may suffer from psychological and emotional constraints and be unable to understand the information given.…”