Caregiver Burden

PI(s)

Dr. Siminoff

Research Partners

Fox Chase Cancer Center
Massey Cancer Center
Virginia Commonwealth University

Main question this project tries to answer

The purpose of this two-fold study is to better understand the experience of caregivers who look after patients with specific later-stage cancers. In particular, we are concerned with changes in daily activity of patients, as well as the impact on the psychological, physical, and financial health of caregivers.

What is the full range of care provided by informal/family caregivers? How does this care change as disease progresses? Whether/when patient care needs exceed caregiver skills and emotional and financial resources?

Background

Although shifting care of those with later stage cancers out of the healthcare setting and into their homes provides savings to the healthcare system, informal (non-paid) caregivers of patients experience a trade-off in costs, which are often poorly described and quantified. While caregivers’ subjective burden, or stress or distress, has been examined, little is known about the objective burden, or number and hours, scope, or intensity of the tasks that caregivers perform for patients with later stage cancers, many with little training. With a better understanding of the burden experienced by caregivers and the impacts on their overall health, we aim to develop strong evidence for more comprehensive and appropriate support systems for cancer patients and their loved ones

Contact person and email

Sydney Rose, sydney.rose@temple.edu