Development and Evaluation of an Intervention to Support Family Caregivers of People with Cancer to Provide Home-based Care at the End of Life: a Feasibility Study

Luker, K; Cooke, M; Lloyd-Williams, M; Pilling, M; Dunn, Laurie

Abstract

Purpose: To design and evaluate an intervention to address carers’ needs for practical information and support skills when caring for a person with cancer at end of life. Method: Phase I 29 carers were interviewed about need for practical information, support skills and their preferences for information delivery. The preferred format was a booklet. Phase 2 evaluated the booklet. 31 carers and 14 district nurses participated. Validated questionnaires: on perceptions of caregiving and carer health before and after the booklet was used and interviews with both carers and nurses were undertaken.24 carers completed both interviews. Quantitative data were coded using scale manuals and analysed using SPSSv20 and interview data was analysed thematically. Results: Carers were aged 31-82 and cared for people aged 50-92; 8 carers were male and 23 female; 20 cared for a partner, 8 for a parent and 1 for a sibling (2 undisclosed). Carers were positive about the booklet, however many carers would have liked the booklet earlier. Carers reported feeling more positive about caregiving, and more reassured and competent in their role. District nurses found the booklet useful and reported receiving fewer phone calls from study carers than others in similar situations. Conclusions: The booklet intervention was a source of reassurance to carers and it has the potential to be incorporated into everyday practice. The challenge is in when and how to distribute the booklet and more work is required on the timing of delivery in order to maximise the usefulness of booklet to carers.

Citation

Luker, K., Cooke, M., Lloyd-Williams, M., Pilling, M., & Dunn, L. (2015). Development and Evaluation of an Intervention to Support Family Caregivers of People with Cancer to Provide Home-based Care at the End of Life: a Feasibility Study. European journal of oncology nursing, 19(2), 154 - 161. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ejon.2014.09.006

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Sep 23, 2014
• Online Publication Date: Feb 6, 2015
• Publication Date: 2015-04
• Deposit Date: Feb 15, 2021
• Publicly Available Date: Feb 18, 2021
• Journal: European journal of oncology nursing
• Print ISSN: 1462-3889
• Publisher: Elsevier
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 19
• Issue: 2
• Pages: 154 - 161
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ejon.2014.09.006
• Keywords: Intervention; Cancer; Caregivers; Practical skills; Home-based care; End of life; Palliative care
• Public URL: https://hull-repository.worktribe.com/output/432753