Study Suggests Greater Focus on the Needs of Family Caregivers of People With Cancer

A study published in the Clinical Journal of Oncology Nursing suggests oncology nurses should discuss self-care needs with family caregivers and guide them to all available resources, reports Oncology Nurse Advisor . The researchers interviewed 20 family caregivers of persons with solid tumor cancers, and used a quality-of-life tool featuring four domains of well-being: physical, psychological, social, and spiritual. They determined care for family caregivers by oncology nurses is required across all the domains, and caregivers may have many physical, psychological, social, and spiritual problems which nurses can acknowledge and encourage them to get counseling. The findings emphasize the fact that cancer exacts a financial cost, and oncology nurses may need to advocate for and offer support to help address the financial pressures and burdens imposed on family caregivers and those with cancer. The researchers cite nurses as essential for evaluating financial strain and getting social workers or financial counselors involved.