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Supportive Care in Cancer
Published in: Supportive Care in Cancer 4/2013

01-04-2013 | Original Article

A survey of the supportive care needs of informal caregivers of adult bone marrow transplant patients

Authors: J. Armoogum, A. Richardson, J. Armes

Published in: Supportive Care in Cancer | Issue 4/2013

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Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to describe the supportive care needs of informal caregivers (ICG) of adult bone marrow transplant (BMT) patients. In addition, we explored relationships between levels of unmet need, psychological morbidity and patient and ICG characteristics.

Methods and sample

We invited patients within 24 months of BMT to participate in a cross-sectional survey. Consenting patients asked their ICG to complete and return the questionnaire booklet. Measures included the Supportive Care Needs Survey Partners and Carers and General Health Questionnaire.

Key results

Two hundred patients were approached, and 98 completed questionnaires were received (response rate = 49 %). We found high unmet need and psychological morbidity among ICGs and an association between ICG unmet need and psychological morbidity. Patient functioning, particularly anxiety and depression, sexual dysfunction and resumption of usual activities impacted on ICG unmet need and psychological morbidity. No associations were found between ICG unmet need and psychological morbidity and the following variables: type of BMT, time from BMT, ICG gender, number of dependents and patient age.

Conclusion

ICG of BMT patients have high levels of unmet need and psychological morbidity in the months that follow a BMT. This highlights the importance of thorough needs assessment to ensure limited resources are targeted to those most in need.
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Metadata
Title
A survey of the supportive care needs of informal caregivers of adult bone marrow transplant patients
Authors
J. Armoogum
A. Richardson
J. Armes
Publication date
01-04-2013
Publisher
Springer-Verlag
Published in
Supportive Care in Cancer / Issue 4/2013
Print ISSN: 0941-4355
Electronic ISSN: 1433-7339
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00520-012-1615-4

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