Understanding the experience of caregivers: a focus on transitions

Abstract

Objectives: To review the current knowledge on the challenges and benefits of informal family caregiving; and propose two conceptual frameworks for studying transitions common to patients with cancer and their family caregivers through the trajectory of the disease process leading to better, more focused, individualized interventions;

Data sources: A review of current and classic literature on patients with cancer and their caregivers.

Conclusion: Caregivers often take on burdens that they are not prepared for. As they become overwhelmed with the work, they often neglect themselves, leading to physical and emotional illnesses. Not all caregivers perceive the same amount of burden. Careful assessment of each caregiver/cared-for dyad to individualize their support is critical to supporting them along the journey of a cancer diagnosis.

Implications for nursing practice: Operationalizing conceptual frameworks can accelerate nurses' understanding of patient and caregiver transitions, leading to more focused interventions and allocation of resources to assist them in these transitions.