Quality of life of caregivers of patients with advanced-stage cancer

Am J Hosp Palliat Care. 2006 Jun-Jul;23(3):185-91. doi: 10.1177/1049909106289074.

Abstract

There has been much research documenting the impact of having a loved one diagnosed with advanced cancer, but little is known about how to reduce care-giver burden. In this randomized controlled trial, the authors examined the potential relationship of an advanced cancer patient's participation in an 8-session, structured, multidisciplinary intervention on the care-giver's burden and quality of life (QOL). Although the patients randomly assigned to the intervention (n = 54) demonstrated improved QOL compared to the control condition (n = 49) participants (P < .05), there was no evidence that improving the patient's QOL made an impact on the caregiver's level of burden or the care-giver's QOL. Further investigation is warranted in this area, including interventions specifically designed and targeted to both reduce caregiver burden and to improve caregiver QOL.

Publication types

  • Randomized Controlled Trial
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adaptation, Psychological
  • Adult
  • Caregivers / psychology*
  • Humans
  • Interpersonal Relations*
  • Linear Models
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Neoplasms / nursing*
  • Neoplasms / psychology
  • Palliative Care / methods*
  • Quality of Life*
  • Social Support
  • Spirituality
  • Stress, Psychological
  • Surveys and Questionnaires