Positive Results Observed in Family Caregivers of Patients with Lung Cancer After Interventions

the Cancer Therapy Advisor take:

Family caregivers (FCGs) who received an interdisciplinary palliative care intervention reported greater social well-being and less psychological distress and caregiver burden compared to those in the usual care cohort, according to an article published online in the journal Cancer.

Patients diagnosed with stage 1 through 4 non-small cell lung cancer identified primary FCGs who then took part in this study. Two groups were identified: the usual care group and the intervention cohort.

FCGs in the palliative care intervention group were presented at interdisciplinary care meetings and attended four educational sessions of physical, psychological, social, and spiritual domains. In the sessions, FCGs were supported through self-care plans.

At the beginning of the study and again 12 weeks later, FCGs were evaluated regarding caregiver burden, caregiving skills preparedness, psychological distress, and quality of life.

After 12 weeks in the palliative care intervention group, FCGs had increased scores of social well-being (5.84 vs. 6.86; P<0.001) and reduced scores of psychological distress (4.61 vs. 4.20; P=0.010), compared to those in the usual care group.

Results also showed that FCGs of patients with lung cancer in the interdisciplinary intervention group experienced significantly less caregiver burden than FCGs in the usual care cohort (P=0.008).