Focus on relationship between the caregivers unmet needs and other caregiving outcomes in cancer palliative care

Abstract

Study the relationships between caregivers unmet needs and others caregiving outcomes in palliative care and cancer, which is a first and necessary step to offer adequate supporting intervention. 59 caregivers participated in a research that examined the caregiving outcomes using an Unmet Needs Questionnaire, the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, and the Bakas Caregiving Outcomes Scale. Results and conclusions: Results showed a high average of unmet needs, especially emotional ones. One caregiver out of two had significant anxiety levels and one out of four of depression. Caregiving outcomes were almost all negative except for the relationship between the patient and the family. Moreover we found a positive and significant relationship between the number of unmet needs and outcomes like burden or emotional outcomes. Finally, the caregivers were interested in receiving a support which, according to their preferences, would have to be brief, group intervention and led by sanitary professionals.