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Cited by 28Cancer survivorship and careNursing care and researchFamily Support in Illness

The role of informal caregivers during cancer patients’ recovery from chemotherapy

Ockerby, Cherene, Livingston, Patricia, O’Connell, Bev, Gaskin, Cadeyrn J.·2013·Scandinavian Journal of Caring Sciences
DOI 10.1111/j.1471-6712.2012.01015.x
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Abstract

AIMS: (i) To investigate the availability, perceived importance and roles of informal caregivers in the recovery of patients treated at day oncology centres and (ii) identify differences between patients with and without informal caregivers in the extent to which they experienced symptoms, and the level of bother symptoms caused. METHOD: Patients from three Australian hospitals (n = 122) were recruited during cycles 1 or 2 of adjuvant chemotherapy. Participants completed a modified version of the Rotterdam Symptom Checklist (RSCL) each day for 5 days after chemotherapy. A telephone interview conducted 10 days post-treatment explored the availability, importance and roles of caregivers. During the interview, participants also completed the modified RSCL in which they were asked about the extent to which they experienced, and were bothered by, each symptom over the prior 5 days combined. RESULTS: Overall, 71% of participants had an informal caregiver in the 5 days postchemotherapy, commonly a partner. More women (71%) than men (48%) had a caregiver (p < 0.05). Caregivers were perceived to be highly important; they were more important for women than men (U = 213.50, p < 0.01). The most common assistance caregivers provided was meal preparation and emotional support and companionship. On days 6-10 postchemotherapy, the extent to which overall physical symptoms were experienced was higher for patients with a caregiver than without (U = 987.50, p < 0.05); similarly their symptoms caused more bother (U = 966.00, p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: These findings highlighted the importance of informal caregivers to patients postchemotherapy. It is imperative that patients are informed of the importance of this support so a caregiver can be arranged, if possible. Understanding the needs of patients following chemotherapy would enable health professionals to advise patients, with or without caregivers, how to best prepare for and manage their recovery at home.

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Crossref · 10.1111/j.1471-6712.2012.01015.x

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Authors
Ockerby, C., Livingston, P., O’Connell, B., & Gaskin, C. J.
Affiliations
Deakin University (AU)
ORCID
Venue
Scandinavian Journal of Caring Sciences
Publisher
Wiley
Published
2012-05-23
Volume
27
Issue
1
Pages
147-155
ISSN
  • 0283-9318 (ISSN-L)
  • 1471-6712
DOI
10.1111/j.1471-6712.2012.01015.x
OpenAlex
W1491840631
Cited by
28
References
27
Citations by year
2024: 2 · 2023: 2 · 2022: 2 · 2021: 5 · 2020: 2 · 2018: 2 · 2017: 4 · 2016: 2 · 2015: 1 · 2014: 5 · 2013: 1
FWCI
1.11
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
closed
Licence
onlinelibrary.wiley.com/termsAndConditions#vor (vor)
Locations
  • Scandinavian Journal of Caring Sciences (publishedVersion)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
Topics
  • Health Sciences › Medicine › Oncology › Cancer survivorship and care
  • Health Sciences › Health Professions › Pharmacy › Nursing care and research
  • Social Sciences › Sociology and Political Science › Family Support in Illness
Keywords
informal caregivers, cancer patients, adjuvant chemotherapy, symptom burden, somatic symptoms, caregiver availability, emotional support, meal preparation, home recovery, gender differences
MeSH terms
Adult, Antineoplastic Agents, Australia, Humans, Neoplasms, Role, Caregivers

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