A recent study reveals that family caregivers of cancer patients are inadequately screened for emotional distress, with only 16% receiving such screenings. While cancer patients are routinely assessed, family caregivers are often overlooked. Researchers from Wake Forest University Medical Center stress the vital role caregivers play and suggest a simple “single-item distress thermometer” as a quick screening tool. Addressing caregiver well-being is crucial, as they shoulder substantial responsibilities and contribute significantly to patient outcomes and the healthcare system’s burden.
A recent study in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute sheds light on the critical need for emotional well-being screening for family caregivers. Despite their significant role and responsibilities, family caregivers are only screened for emotional distress approximately 16% of the time.
The study, conducted by researchers from Wake Forest University Medical Center, underscores the substantial gaps in family engagement and the overall caregiver experience. The journey of a loved one battling cancer is emotionally and physically taxing, not only for the patient but also for those who provide informal care.
Chandylen Nightingale, Ph.D., the co-principal investigator of the study and an assistant professor of social sciences and health policy at Wake Forest University School of Medicine, emphasized the vital role caregivers play. She noted that caregiver well-being is of paramount importance as happy and healthy caregivers can offer more effective support and care to their loved ones. This, in turn, may lead to improved patient outcomes and a reduced burden on healthcare systems.
While screening for emotional distress is a common practice for cancer patients, the same level of attention is often not extended to family and informal caregivers. The study utilized data from the National Cancer Institute Community Oncology Research Program (NCORP) and found that emotional distress screening is conducted for fewer than one in five family and informal caregivers.
Although most oncology practices (63%) do identify and document family caregivers, only 16% routinely screen these caregivers for distress. In contrast, 92.5% routinely screen patients, which is essential for providing comprehensive care. Furthermore, the study revealed that despite the existence of resources to address emotional distress in both patients and caregivers, access to these resources is not equal. While 90.6% of practices routinely screen and provide referrals for patients with emotional distress, only 12.6% do the same for family caregivers.
Managing the mental and emotional well-being of cancer patients is an integral part of holistic oncology care. The researchers argued that caregiver well-being is equally crucial, given that caregivers often shoulder financial and logistical burdens caused by their loved one’s illness. Additionally, they experience fear and concern for their loved one’s well-being and may take on responsibilities such as care and medication management, patient-provider communication, and medical decision-making.
Nightingale and her colleagues proposed a practical solution to alleviate the time burden on healthcare providers. They introduced a “single-item distress thermometer” that allows caregivers to rate their emotional distress on a 10-point scale. This simple screening tool can be incorporated into routine caregiver assessments without imposing significant additional time demands on healthcare professionals.
Overall, addressing the emotional well-being of family caregivers is an essential aspect of comprehensive oncology care. The study highlights the need to bridge the gap in emotional distress screening for caregivers, ensuring that they receive the support they require during their loved one’s cancer journey. By adopting innovative screening approaches and leveraging existing processes, healthcare providers can enhance the well-being of both patients and caregivers, contributing to a more effective and compassionate cancer care ecosystem.
