"I Had a Needle, But This Program Gave Me the Thread": A Caregiver Screening and Response Protocol.

Abstract

Family caregivers of individuals with advanced cancer face significant psychological and practical burdens, yet support for them remains limited. This study aimed to develop and pilot a nurse-led screening and response protocol to address unmet support needs of family caregivers in an outpatient palliative care clinic (OPCC). English-speaking adult family caregivers of patients attending an (OPCC) in a tertiary cancer center in Canada were recruited. Participants completed repeated needs screenings and engaged in follow-up nurse consultations, offering a tailored response. A satisfaction with care scale was administered at baseline and six months, and qualitative interviews explored participants' experiences. Of 31 family caregivers enrolled, all completed needs screening and a follow-up consultation at least once, and 61% completed both baseline and six-month measures. A pre-post analysis demonstrated a statistically significant improvement in satisfaction with psychosocial care. In qualitative interviews with a subset of 11 participants, family caregivers highlighted the value of receiving support independently from the patient, the acknowledgment of their needs as caregivers, having guidance to resolve concerns, and the facilitation of end-of-life planning. Routine screening and response protocols for family caregivers may help facilitate timely and tailored support. Early implementation may enhance recruitment and engagement.