1685P - A comprehensive approach to integrating family caregivers as partners in outpatient cancer care in Germany

Background

Family caregivers play a vital role in cancer care, yet their effective integration, needs assessment, and support in German outpatient settings require further examination. This qualitative study explores family caregivers' experiences, preferences, and integration challenges, employing a unique dyadic approach to analyze patient-caregiver dynamics and incorporating oncologists' perspectives on effective caregiver integration. It also suggests areas of potential integration of innovative technologies to address these challenges.

Methods

The study uses a reflexive thematic analysis of qualitative semi-structured interviews with 15 patient-caregiver dyads involving advanced cancer patients with solid tumours and three oncologists at a German outpatient cancer centre.

Results

Three interconnected themes emerged: 1) The multifaceted impact of illness on patient-caregiver dyads, emphasizing the significance of dyadic support and incongruence; 2) Communication with physicians and understanding of healthcare Information, stressing the need for tailored prognostic communication, and considering health literacy aspects; 3) Navigating healthcare services and psychosocial support, underlining the importance of a regular needs and distress evaluation, providing personalized support in the form of a referral and proactive guidance upon cancer diagnosis.

Conclusions

The study's findings have practical implications for healthcare practice and policy. Healthcare systems should adopt a more caregiver-inclusive approach that provides proactive psychosocial support at the beginning of the cancer journey, and tailored communication with healthcare professionals. This approach could include developing and implementing targeted digital tools that allow automated needs evaluation and incorporation of referrals for specialized support programs for cancer caregivers. The future investigation and implementation of such innovative technologies is important, as they have the potential to reduce the caregiving burden and significantly enhance the overall quality of cancer care.

Clinical trial identification

Editorial acknowledgement

Legal entity responsible for the study

The authors.

Funding

Has not received any funding.

Disclosure

M. Rose: Other, Institutional, Leadership Role: Head of Promis National Center Germany. All other authors have declared no conflicts of interest.