Psychosocial Care for Family Caregivers of Patients With Cancer
Abstract
Purpose To understand family caregivers' needs for better preparation and care, this state-of-the-science review examines the effect of caregiving on the health and well-being of caregivers, the efficacy of research-tested interventions on patient and caregiver outcomes, implications of the research on policy and practice, and recommendations for practice and future research. Methods We reviewed research that described the multiple effects of cancer on caregivers' well-being. Five meta-analyses were analyzed to determine the effect of interventions with caregivers on patient and caregiver outcomes. In addition, we reviewed legislation such as the Affordable Care Act and the Family Leave Act along with current primary care practice to determine whether family caregivers' needs have been addressed. Results Research findings indicate that caregiver stress can lead to psychological and sleep disturbances and changes in caregivers' physical health, immune function, and financial well-being. Research-tested interventions delivered to caregivers of patients with cancer or other chronic illnesses can reduce many of these negative effects and improve caregivers' coping skills, knowledge, and quality of life. Although these interventions also decrease patients' symptoms, reduce mortality (non-dementia patients), and improve patients' physical and mental health, they are seldom implemented in practice. Conclusion Recommendations for practice include development of standardized guideline…
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Systematic reviews and meta-analyses have indicated that structured psychosocial interventions, such as counselling, psychotherapy, and stress management, could effectively reduce family caregiver burden, alleviate depression, and improve quality of life.
“systematic reviews and meta-analyses have indicated that structured psychosocial interventions, such as counselling, psychotherapy, and stress management, could effectively reduce family caregiver burden, alleviate depression, and improve quality of life.”
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- Authors
- Northouse, L., Williams, A.-L., Given, B., & McCorkle, R.
- Affiliations
- University of Michigan (US)
- Venue
- Journal of Clinical Oncology
- Published
- 2012-04-10
- Volume
- 30
- Issue
- 11
- Pages
- 1227-1234
- ISSN
- 0732-183X (ISSN-L)
- 1527-7755
- OpenAlex
- W2100348247
- Cited by
- 527
- References
- 9
- Citations by year
- 2026: 21 · 2025: 33 · 2024: 31 · 2023: 20 · 2022: 39 · 2021: 45 · 2020: 51 · 2019: 42 · 2018: 47 · 2017: 42 · 2016: 47 · 2015: 39 · 2014: 30 · 2013: 28 · 2012: 12
- FWCI
- 8.73
- Type
- journal article
- Language
- en
- Open access
- closed
- Locations
- Journal of Clinical Oncology (publishedVersion)
- PubMed (publishedVersion)
- Topics
- Health Sciences › Health Professions › Pharmacy › Nursing care and research
- Health Sciences › Medicine › Oncology › Cancer survivorship and care
- Social Sciences › Sociology and Political Science › Family Support in Illness
- Keywords
- family caregivers, cancer, psychosocial care, caregiver well-being, caregiver stress, caregiver interventions, caregiver education, caregiver assessment, caregiver quality of life
- MeSH terms
- Cooperative Behavior, Humans, Neoplasms, Primary Health Care, Sleep Wake Disorders, Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic, Caregivers, Mood Disorders, Evidence-Based Practice
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