The impact of providing symptom management assistance on caregiver reaction: results of a randomized trial

Abstract

This research evaluates the impact of a randomized clinical trial for lowering family members' reactions and increasing their involvement in assisting cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy to better manage their symptoms. The cognitive behavioral intervention was directed toward both the patient and family caregivers. At 10 weeks, caregivers who received the experimental intervention had significantly lower total reactions to assisting with symptoms and assisted with significantly fewer symptoms (linked to patient improvement in symptom severity) than caregivers receiving conventional care alone. Female caregivers receiving the intervention reported significantly lower reaction per symptom where assistance was provided compared to female caregivers in the control group. Thus, the intervention did not increase caregiver involvement in symptom management, quite possibly due to reduced symptom severity among patients in the intervention group. This research offers a model for evaluating trials directed toward both members of a dyad.