Caregiver burden and unmet patient needs

In the past, cancer patients were often hospitalized for long periods. In recent years, more cancer treatment is administered to outpatients. As a result, the overall care of a cancer patient is increasingly determined by the care the patient receives at home. If some of the needs of the cancer patient are not met at home, the patient's quality of life and health may be adversely affected. A study was conducted to evaluate the factors that most strongly determine the degree to which a cancer patient's needs are met. Of a total of 1,004 cancer outpatients, a sample of 483 patients was identified. For participation in the study, each patient had to have a home caregiver and have at least one need that required a caregiver's assistance. Slightly less than one-fifth of the patients (18.9 percent) reported one or more unmet need. The study identified several factors that appeared to be related to the likelihood of unmet needs. Cancer patients were more likely to report that their needs were unmet when their condition resulted in restricted activity. Patients with limited financial resources who applied for Medicaid or public assistance were also more likely to report unmet needs. The relationship of the cancer patient to the caregiver was also an important determinant of unmet needs. The best care appeared to be provided by spouses. The greatest number of unmet needs were reported by patients for whom the caregiver was not a relative. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)