Caregiver burden and unmet patient needs
Article Abstract:
In the past, cancer patients were often hospitalized for long periods. In recent years, more cancer treatment is administered to outpatients. As a result, the overall care of a cancer patient is increasingly determined by the care the patient receives at home. If some of the needs of the cancer patient are not met at home, the patient's quality of life and health may be adversely affected. A study was conducted to evaluate the factors that most strongly determine the degree to which a cancer patient's needs are met. Of a total of 1,004 cancer outpatients, a sample of 483 patients was identified. For participation in the study, each patient had to have a home caregiver and have at least one need that required a caregiver's assistance. Slightly less than one-fifth of the patients (18.9 percent) reported one or more unmet need. The study identified several factors that appeared to be related to the likelihood of unmet needs. Cancer patients were more likely to report that their needs were unmet when their condition resulted in restricted activity. Patients with limited financial resources who applied for Medicaid or public assistance were also more likely to report unmet needs. The relationship of the cancer patient to the caregiver was also an important determinant of unmet needs. The best care appeared to be provided by spouses. The greatest number of unmet needs were reported by patients for whom the caregiver was not a relative. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)
Publication Name: Cancer
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0008-543X
Year: 1991
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Introduction to the workshop on clinical trials
Article Abstract:
On September 14th and 15th, 1989, the American Cancer Society hosted a conference on clinical trials and their role in cancer care. Overall, only three percent of American cancer patients are participating in some sort of clinical research program; this figure is perceived as too low by some medical scientists. But the problem is greater that simply enrolling more patients in research. Standards of competent research must be stringently met, yet the needs of the patient must not take a back seat to the needs of the research project. While more physicians should get involved in the clinical evaluation of cancer treatments, it is also clear that not everyone is suited to managing part of a research program. Funding is also a serious question; insurance companies fund treatment, but they do not fund research. To what degree will an individual project risk losing reimbursement, and how might this affect prospective participation? The participants in the conference limited their discussion to Phase II and III clinical trials, which evaluate the efficacy of treatment protocols for which some evidence has already accumulated. The conference chose not to discuss the questions of preliminary trials, nor did it consider clinical trials of new methods of cancer control such as prevention or early diagnosis. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)
Publication Name: Cancer
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0008-543X
Year: 1990
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