The Supportive Care Needs of Regional and Remote Cancer Caregivers

Abstract

Objective: As cancer survival rates continue to increase, so will the demand for care from family and friends, particularly in more isolated settings. This study aims to examine the needs of cancer caregivers in regional and remote Australia. Methods: A total of 239 informal (i.e., non-professional) cancer caregivers (e.g., family/friends) from regional and remote Queensland, Australia, completed the Comprehensive Needs Assessment Tool for Cancer Caregivers (CNAT-C). The frequencies of individuals reporting specific needs were calculated. Logistic regression analyses assessed the association between unmet needs and demographic characteristics and cancer type. Results: The most frequently endorsed needs were lodging near hospital (77%), information about the disease (74%), and tests and treatment (74%). The most frequent unmet needs were treatment near home (37%), help with economic burden (32%), and concerns about the person being cared for (32%). Younger and female caregivers were significantly more likely to report unmet needs overall (OR = 2.12; OR = 0.58), and unmet healthcare staff needs (OR = 0.35; OR = 1.99, respectively). Unmet family and social support needs were also significantly more likely among younger caregivers (OR = 0.35). Caregivers of breast cancer patients (OR = 0.43) and older caregivers (OR = 0.53) were significantly less likely to report unmet health and psychology needs. Proportions of participants reporting needs were largely similar across demographic groups and cancer type with some exceptions. Conclusions: Caregiver health, practical issues associated with travel, and emotional strain are all areas where regional and remote caregivers require more support. Caregivers’ age and gender, time since diagnosis and patient cancer type should be considered when determining the most appropriate supportive care.

The quality of life of regional and remote cancer caregivers in Australia

“…Given the moderate effects of caregiver burden on outcomes and known gender differences in cancer caregiver needs and experiences (Stiller et al, 2021), post hoc analyses were conducted to assess potential moderating role of gender. An independent t ‐test showed no significant difference between male and female caregiver burden t (221) = −1.27, p = 204.…”

“…When adjusting for covariates, caregivers who had one or more chronic condition and those who reported higher levels of caregiver burden reported higher levels of depression, anxiety and stress explaining 36.8%, 18.7% and 31.9% of the variance in each outcome variable, respectively. Given the moderate effects of caregiver burden on outcomes and known gender differences in cancer caregiver needs and experiences (Stiller et al, 2021), post hoc analyses were conducted to assess potential moderating role of gender. An independent t-test showed no significant difference between male and female caregiver burden t (221) = À1.27, p = 204.…”

“…For example, Ugalde et al (2019) showed that caregivers living in regional and remote Australia experienced logistical challenges, major life adjustments, financial losses and isolation from their community when having to travel with patients for treatment. Recent investigation into the supportive care needs of regional and remote cancer patients revealed several common practical and emotional challenges faced by this group as well as differences in needs according to demographic and patient characteristics such as age, gender and cancer type (Stiller et al, 2021). The burden experienced by caregivers in regional and remote areas has been shown to lead to poor mental health outcomes such as high rates of caregiver depression (Beach et al, 2019; Hanly et al, 2016; Van Ryn et al, 2011).…”

Supportive Care Needs of Breast Cancer Survivors: A Systematic Review

“…The framework provides a tool for cancer care professionals and program managers, allowing them to design services based on the type of assistance that cancer patients may need [19]. Based on the current literature, individual supportive care needs are classi ed into eleven aspects of supportive care needs, including psychosocial/emotional, physical, health system/information, family-related, social, interpersonal/intimacy, practical, daily living activity, spiritual/existential, patient-health professional communication, and cognitive needs [20,21]. The current trend in modern medicine is changing from a disease-based model to a patient-centered model in which patients are active and patients' preferences and care needs are considered [22].…”

Support‐seeking by cancer caregivers living in rural Australia

“…They also report high unmet needs for practical support (e.g. transportation, lodging, finances), their own physical health and psychological wellbeing, and information to assist them in caring for someone with cancer 17 . Living outside of a major city presents several challenges to accessing cancer‐related support, including greater travel distances, higher costs and fewer local healthcare services 18–20 .…”