A brief problem-solving intervention for family caregivers to individuals with advanced cancer.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate a brief problem-solving intervention for family caregivers to individuals with advanced cancer.


METHODS
Family caregivers were recruited through oncology clinics of a large tertiary care hospital in Canada. Those providing informed consent completed a baseline survey, received a brief problem-solving intervention, received a detailed home care guide, and completed a follow-up survey over the telephone 4 weeks after receiving the intervention.


RESULTS
Thirty-four family caregivers completed all aspects of the study. Sixty-eight percent of caregivers were women, 73.5% were married to the care recipient, and their average age was 53.6 years. This brief intervention resulted in improvements in emotional tension (P<.03), caregiving confidence (P<.06), and positive problem-solving orientation (P<.06).


CONCLUSIONS
These findings suggest that even a brief problem-solving intervention may be beneficial for family caregivers to individuals with advanced cancer.
Cameron
Jill I
JI
Uniiversity Health Network Women's Health Program, 657 University Avenue, ML 2-004, Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5G 2N2. jill.cameron@uhn.on.ca
Shin
Jennifer L
JL
Williams
Diane
D
Stewart
Donna E
DE
D017028:Caregivers / Q000523:psychology*; D005190:Family / Q000523:psychology*; D005192:Family Health; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000628:therapy*; D010166:Palliative Care / Q000379:methods; D011340:Problem Solving