Putting Evidence into Practice: nursing assessment and interventions to reduce family caregiver strain and burden.
Family caregiving often is associated with multiple rewards, yet the diversity and intensity of caregiving roles also can result in caregiver strain and burden. Using interventions to reduce the strain and burden on caregivers of patients with cancer is an important role nurses play. This article is a critical review and synthesis of the evidence regarding assessment tools and interventions aimed at reducing caregiver strain and burden in the oncology population. Although the striking finding is the limited number of interventions targeted toward oncology caregivers, suggestions from the literature are offered to support and promote healthy outcomes for family caregivers.
College of Nursing, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA. norissa@azoncology.com
Norissa J
NJ
Honea
Ruthann
R
Brintnall
Barbara
B
Given
Paula
P
Sherwood
Deirdre B
DB
Colao
Susan C
SC
Somers
Laurel L
LL
Northouse
D017028:Caregivers / Q000193:education / Q000523:psychology; D015928:Cognitive Behavioral Therapy; D017281:Cost of Illness; D004059:Diffusion of Innovation; D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine; D005190:Family / Q000523:psychology; D006293:Health Promotion; D006301:Health Services Needs and Demand; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D024802:Nurse's Role / Q000523:psychology; D009730:Nursing Assessment / Q000458:organization & administration*; D015399:Nursing Research; D009859:Oncology Nursing / Q000458:organization & administration*; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D011613:Psychotherapy; D012064:Relaxation Therapy; D012107:Research Design; D012144:Respite Care; D012944:Social Support; D013315:Stress, Psychological / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000523:psychology