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Taking Care of Her: A Pilot Feasibility Study of a Caregiver Intervention for Women with Advanced Stage Ovarian Cancer
Journal article   Open access

Taking Care of Her: A Pilot Feasibility Study of a Caregiver Intervention for Women with Advanced Stage Ovarian Cancer

Frances Marcus Lewis, Zainab Alzawad, Kristin Griffith, Hebah Almulla, Pei-Chin Wu, Nai-Ching Chi, Ellen H Zahlis and Mary Ellen Shands
Journal of cancer therapy, Vol.8(5), pp.472-489
2017
DOI: 10.4236/jct.2017.85041
url
https://doi.org/10.4236/jct.2017.85041View
Published (Version of record) Open Access

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to examine the feasibility and short-term impact of a fully manualized, telephone-delivered intervention for spouse caregivers, Taking Care of Her (TCH). A total of 12 study participants from the Pacific NW were enrolled whose wife was diagnosed with Stage III ovarian cancer within 8 months. Feasibility was confirmed by rates of recruitment and retention; the quality of delivery of the intervention by telephone; and through data obtained on program acceptability during follow up exit interviews. Outcomes from the within-group analysis revealed improvements on standardized measures of spouses’ and patients’ depressed mood and anxiety; marital communication about the cancer; caregivers’ skills and confidence to manage the emotional toll of the illness on themselves and wives; and wives’ positive appraisal of spousal support. Study results suggest that the TCH Program has the potential to positively affect both spouse caregiver and patients’ adjustment to recently diagnosed advanced ovarian cancer. Telephone delivery holds promise for sustainability. A future clinical trial with a larger study sample is warranted.

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