Unmet supportive care needs and characteristics of family caregivers of patients with oral cancer after surgery
Menée à Taïwan auprès de 102 dyades patients-aidants familiaux, cette étude transversale analyse les facteurs associés à leurs besoins en soins de support non satisfaits après l'opération chirurgicale d'un cancer de la cavité buccale
Objective : The aim of this study was to identify factors associated with unmet supportive care needs in family caregivers of patients with oral cancer after surgery. Methods : In a cross-sectional study, we recruited patient–family caregiver dyads from the otolaryngology head and neck surgery wards of a medical center in northern Taiwan. Patients were assessed using a set of structured questionnaires to measure symptom distress, sleep quality, and depression. Social support and supportive care needs of family caregivers were measured. Results : Of the 102 dyads surveyed, needs for supportive care in information domain and healthcare professional/healthcare services domain were highest. Patients with more severe symptoms and family caregivers who received less social support from family were associated with greater overall unmet supportive care needs. Conclusions : Family caregivers report the need for more information and healthcare services after a family member has had oral surgery. Caregiving training programs should be developed for caregivers on the basis of meeting reported needs. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.