title: Touch, Caring, and Cancer: randomized controlled trial of a multimedia caregiver education program.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  A randomized controlled trial was conducted to evaluate outcomes of a multimedia instructional program for family caregivers in simple touch-based techniques to provide comfort to cancer patients at home.
  
  
  METHODS
  A multilingual 78-min DVD and 66-page manual were produced for homebased instruction. Content addresses attitudes and communication about touch in cancer, psychological preparation for giving and receiving touch, safety precautions, massage techniques for comfort and relaxation, acupressure for specific cancer-related symptoms, and practice in the home setting. Materials were produced in English, Spanish, and Chinese versions. A community-based multiethnic sample of 97 adult patient/caregiver dyads was randomized to experimental (massage) or attention control (reading) groups for 4 weeks. Massage dyads received the program and instructions to practice at least three times per week, while control caregivers read to their patients for the same frequency. Self-report instruments assessed change in symptom severity, quality of life, perceived stress, and caregiver attitudes.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Significant reductions in all symptoms occurred for patients after both activities: 12-28 % reductions after reading vs. 29-44 % after massage. Massage caregivers showed significant gains in confidence, comfort, and self-efficacy using touch and massage as forms of caregiving.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Multimedia instruction in touch and massage methods may offer family members a viable means of enhancing self-efficacy and satisfaction in caregiving while decreasing patient pain, depression, and other symptoms. Family members may be able to learn and apply safe and simple methods that increase patient comfort and reduce distress.
authors.affiliation: Collinge and Associates, Eugene, OR 79405, USA. william@collinge.org
authors.forename: William
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Collinge
authors.forename: Janet
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Kahn
authors.forename: Tracy
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Walton
authors.forename: Leila
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Kozak
authors.forename: Susan
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Bauer-Wu
authors.forename: Kenneth
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Fletcher
authors.forename: Paul
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Yarnold
authors.forename: Robert
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Soltysik
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001294:Attitude to Health; D017028:Caregivers / Q000193:education*; D003142:Communication; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008405:Massage / Q000193:education / Q000379:methods*; D008875:Middle Aged; D019212:Multimedia; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D017063:Outcome Assessment, Health Care; D010146:Pain / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D011788:Quality of Life; D011932:Reading; D020377:Self Efficacy; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D013315:Stress, Psychological / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D055815:Young Adult