Trial Information

Palliative Care for Quality of Life and Symptom Concerns in Family Caregivers of Lung Cancer Patients

OBJECTIVES:

I. Test the effects of a family caregiver palliative care intervention (FCPCI) for informal
caregivers of patients with early and late stage lung cancer on caregiver burden and
caregiver skills preparedness as compared to a group of family caregivers (FC) in a usual
care situation.

II. Test the effects of a FCPCI for informal caregivers of patients with early and late
stage lung cancer on FC in a usual care situation.

III. Describe early and late stage FC self care behavior, comparing the usual care and FCPCI
groups.

IV. Describe resource use by early and late stage FC comparing the usual care and FCPCI
groups. V. Identify subgroups of FC who benefit most from the FCPCI in relation to
sociodemographic characteristics, clinical/functional factors.

V. Identify subgroups of FC who benefit most from the FCPCI in relation to sociodemographic
characteristics, clinical/functional factors.

OUTLINE: Family caregivers (FC) are assigned to 1 of 2 groups.

GROUP I: FC complete questionnaires at baseline and at 7, 12, 18, and 24 weeks to assess
caregiver burden, caregiver skills preparedness, quality of life, distress, self care, and
resource use.

GROUP II: FC undergo 4 individualized teaching sessions in weeks 7, 8, 10, and 12 that focus
on caregiver burden; caregiver skills preparedness; management of patient psychological
symptoms; management of FC distress; social and spiritual needs of the patient and FC; the
continuing role of the FC in caring for the patient; and development of a personalized
wellness plan. FC then receive 3 follow-up phone calls in weeks 16, 20, and 24 to review any
questions regarding care; to assess symptom management, community resources, and support;
and to review and support the wellness plan. FC also complete questionnaires as in group I.

After completion of the educational intervention, a sample of FC undergo 1-hour educational
interviews exploring their perspective and insights on their experience as a caregiver.