Enhancing carer involvement in a patient’s cancer care
Background
Family carers play a critical role in cancer patient care. Patients supported by family carers have better psychological and physical outcomes including survival. However, virtually no training has been developed to involve and support carers in consultations and care.
The research
This project aims to develop and evaluate two online training interventions: one aimed at cancer doctors and nurses and a second aimed at patients and carers. The work stems from eight years of research involving extensive interviews and analysis of interactions with cancer patients, family carers, and medical staff. The goal is to improve communication, support and engagement with carers and for carers to feel empowered in their caregiving role. A randomised controlled trial will test whether the combination of both online modules leads to better patient and carer outcomes. Cost-effectiveness will also be examined.
The impact
In the long term, the team hope the work will shift the status of family carers from being vulnerable and disempowered to confident, engaged and supported partners in care. This should lead to better psychological and physical outcomes for both cancer patients and carers.