What is it about?
In a novel research study, the perceptions of cancer patients were compared and contrasted with the perceptions of their primary caregiver (spouse, child, other family member, etc) to explore the benefits and burdens they experienced while the patient participated in a Phase 1 clinical trial as an anti-cancer treatment. The various types of benefits and burdens as identified by the patients and caregivers were identified. The results supported the belief that the caregiver has a higher burden level than the patient during this type of treatment.
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Why is it important?
It is a common belief among clinical trial staff that the family caregiver of cancer patients also experiences a heightened level of stress while the patient undergoes anti-cancer treatment through a Phase 1 clinical trial. This novel research study validated this belief providing evidence-based results stating the family caregiver experienced a higher level of burden than the patient. These result can help direct medical staff as to how to support the family caregiver while caring for cancer patients.
Perspectives
This was an exciting research project to create and conduct. As an experienced research nurse, I commonly saw the distress family caregivers experienced while the medical staff was treating the patient for his/her cancer diagnosis. By exploring the perceptions of patients and caregivers during the time the patient was being treated with a Phase 1 clinical trial, the needs of each were identified. My hope is that the results from this research study will provide medical personnel with the necessary information to create a support system within their facilities for not only patients but for caregivers as well.
Victoria Rezash
OhioHealth
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: Who Needs What? Perceptions of Patients and Caregivers in Oncology Phase 1 Trials, Journal of Patient Experience, February 2019, SAGE Publications,
DOI: 10.1177/2374373519830743.
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