Establishing a cancer caregivers program

Abstract

Recent improvements in diagnostic techniques and treatment modalities have resulted in increasing numbers of cancer patients receiving therapies on an ambulatory basis. In addition, current health care economics and the impact of diagnosis-related groups (DRGs) have contributed to decreasing lengths of hospital stays. As a result, the responsibility of providing care for the patient with cancer at home often rests mainly with the family members. A review of the literature indicated that this responsibility contributes to stress for family caregivers because of their lack of knowledge in implementing the skills required in managing the day-to-day care of the patients. The purpose of this paper is to describe the methodological strategies used in developing a cancer caregivers program. The objectives of the program were to assist family caregivers in meeting the physical needs of the patient at home as well as to enable the family caregivers to care for themselves.