title: Family distress in palliative medicine: a pilot study of the family APGAR scale.
abstract: The family is essential to patients with advanced cancer. Family and caregiver distress, however, can impair optimal care and support of the patient. A five-item questionnaire, the Family APGAR Scale, was evaluated to determine family functioning levels of selected patients. The APGAR Scale has five components for measuring family functioning: Adaptation, Partnership, Growth, Affection, and Resolve. Fifty consecutive patients admitted to a palliative medicine inpatient unit were reviewed for a pilot study. Eligibility requirements included admission to the unit for the first time, and the ability to speak English and give informed consent. Fifteen patients and 11 primary caregivers participated. Despite the small sample, some significant family functioning issues were identifed. Completing the study later with a larger sample will provide information that will help the multidisciplinary team better meet the needs of both patient and family.
authors.affiliation: Department of Social Work, The Harry R. Horvitz Center for Palliative Medicine, Cleveland Clinic/Taussig Cancer Center, Ohio, USA.
authors.forename: Ruth D
authors.initials: RD
authors.lastname: Powazki
authors.forename: Declan
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Walsh
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D017028:Caregivers / Q000523:psychology; D005190:Family / Q000523:psychology*; D005192:Family Health; D005260:Female; D006701:Home Nursing / Q000523:psychology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010166:Palliative Care / Q000523:psychology*; D010865:Pilot Projects; D013315:Stress, Psychological / Q000145:classification*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires