Evaluation of a WeChat-based Dyadic Life Review Program for people with advanced cancer and family caregivers: A mixed-method feasibility study

Abstract

Background: Cancer not only affects cancer patients’ quality of life but also their family caregivers’. A WeChat-based Dyadic Life Review Program was developed by our research team for people with advanced cancer and their family caregivers to improve their quality of life. Aim: To explore the feasibility and preliminary effects of the WeChat-based Dyadic Life Review Program on people with advanced cancer and their family caregivers. Methods: A feasibility randomized controlled trial was conducted. Both quantitative and qualitative data were collected. A total of 47 advanced cancer patient-family caregiver dyads was recruited. Twenty-six dyads were randomized into the experimental group, and 21 dyads into the control group. The experimental group engaged in the WeChat-based Dyadic Life Review Program twice a week for 4 weeks. Results: For qualitative results, five themes emerged: (1) accepting and enjoying the program; (2) increasing communication with one another; (3) feeling grateful for each other; (4) providing emotional support to each other; and (5) releasing caregivers’ stress. In terms of quantitative results, quality of life (Z = −4.06, p < 0.001; t = 4.30, p < 0.001), family adaptability(Z = −3.01, p = 0.003; Z = −3.29, p = 0.001), and family cohesion(Z = −4.14, p < 0.001; Z = −3.88, p < 0.001) of people with advanced cancer and family caregivers were improved, and family caregivers’ care burden (t = −2.50, p = .018) was decreased in the experimental group compared with the control group post-test. Conclusions: The WeChat-based Dyadic Life Review Program is feasible and acceptable for people with advanced cancer and their family caregivers. It has the potential to improve their quality of life, adaptability and cohesion, and reduce family caregivers’ care burden.