Abstract
Background: Distress clearly impacts cancer patients, but it also impacts their loved ones, their informal caregivers (ICG). Not only do these ICGs experience distress, but ICGs often experience even more distress than patients receiving treatment (Amonoo et al., 2022; Wang et al., 2023). Despite the prevalence of ICG distress, they are often not screened for distress or provided resources to help them cope (Nightingale et al., 2024).
Purpose: This quality improvement project aims to assess the effect of implementing a distress screening tool for informal caregivers in an outpatient regional cancer system. Distress levels of ICGs will be noted in addition to the self-referral rates to a behavioral health professional (BHP) available to connect these caregivers with resources.
Methods: The National Comprehensive Cancer Network Distress Thermometer and Problem List was utilized for screening ICGs via a QR code and a survey link for participants to follow to an online questionnaire. Convenience sampling was utilized to recruit caregivers. The project was promoted though the use of a flyer with a QR code and a survey link for participants to follow. The survey link was also shared via email to potential participants. Nurses, certified nursing assistants, and medical assistants at the clinics were encouraged to offer the screening form to potential participants. The screening was anonymous; however, if desiring additional resources, the participant could leave their name and phone number. A BHP will communicate with participants who provide their contact information to connect them with resources for support. Data analysis will employ descriptive and inferential statistics.
Outcomes: This project is in progress, therefore results and conclusions are not available currently. Data collection and analysis will be completed by the beginning of February.
Implications: This project has implications for nursing by potentially improving caregiver quality of life which will benefit patient care. Successful implementation of distress screening for caregivers could enhance holistic care delivery in oncology settings and give caregivers an opportunity to be seen and heard in a new way.
Sigma Membership
Psi at-Large
Type
Poster
Format Type
Text-based Document
Study Design/Type
Quality Improvement
Research Approach
Translational Research/Evidence-based Practice
Keywords:
Stress and Coping, Academic-clinical Partnership, Health Equity or Social Determinants of Health, Cancer Patients, Oncology Patients, Caregivers
Recommended Citation
Murphy, Megan Bridget, "Assessing and Addressing Distress for Informal Caregivers Caring for Oncology Patients" (2025). International Nursing Research Congress (INRC). 139.
https://www.sigmarepository.org/inrc/2025/posters_2025/139
Conference Name
36th International Nursing Research Congress
Conference Host
Sigma Theta Tau International
Conference Location
Seattle, Washington, USA
Conference Year
2025
Rights Holder
All rights reserved by the author(s) and/or publisher(s) listed in this item record unless relinquished in whole or part by a rights notation or a Creative Commons License present in this item record.
Review Type
Abstract Review Only: Reviewed by Event Host
Acquisition
Proxy-submission
Assessing and Addressing Distress for Informal Caregivers Caring for Oncology Patients
Seattle, Washington, USA
Background: Distress clearly impacts cancer patients, but it also impacts their loved ones, their informal caregivers (ICG). Not only do these ICGs experience distress, but ICGs often experience even more distress than patients receiving treatment (Amonoo et al., 2022; Wang et al., 2023). Despite the prevalence of ICG distress, they are often not screened for distress or provided resources to help them cope (Nightingale et al., 2024).
Purpose: This quality improvement project aims to assess the effect of implementing a distress screening tool for informal caregivers in an outpatient regional cancer system. Distress levels of ICGs will be noted in addition to the self-referral rates to a behavioral health professional (BHP) available to connect these caregivers with resources.
Methods: The National Comprehensive Cancer Network Distress Thermometer and Problem List was utilized for screening ICGs via a QR code and a survey link for participants to follow to an online questionnaire. Convenience sampling was utilized to recruit caregivers. The project was promoted though the use of a flyer with a QR code and a survey link for participants to follow. The survey link was also shared via email to potential participants. Nurses, certified nursing assistants, and medical assistants at the clinics were encouraged to offer the screening form to potential participants. The screening was anonymous; however, if desiring additional resources, the participant could leave their name and phone number. A BHP will communicate with participants who provide their contact information to connect them with resources for support. Data analysis will employ descriptive and inferential statistics.
Outcomes: This project is in progress, therefore results and conclusions are not available currently. Data collection and analysis will be completed by the beginning of February.
Implications: This project has implications for nursing by potentially improving caregiver quality of life which will benefit patient care. Successful implementation of distress screening for caregivers could enhance holistic care delivery in oncology settings and give caregivers an opportunity to be seen and heard in a new way.
Description
This project assesses the impact of distress screening for informal caregivers (ICGs) of oncology patients in an outpatient cancer center using the National Comprehensive Cancer Network Distress Thermometer and Problem List. ICGs were recruited via a flyer with a QR code and a survey link containing the screening. Caregivers could request resources for distress by leaving contact information at the end of the survey. This project aims to improve holistic oncology care.