The ability of informal primary caregivers to accurately report cancer patients' difficulties

• Published in: Psycho-oncology (Chichester, England) England), 2013-12, Vol.22 (12), p.2840-2847
• Main Authors: Libert, Yves, Merckaert, Isabelle, Slachmuylder, Jean-Louis, Razavi, Darius
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Activities of Daily Living; Adult; Aged; Anxiety-Depression; Cancer; Caregivers; Carers; Correlation analysis; Cross-Sectional Studies; Data Collection - standards; Families & family life; family; Female; Health professionals; Hospitals; Humans; Informal care; Interpersonal Relations; Male; Middle Aged; Neoplasms - nursing; Neoplasms - psychology; Oncology; perception; Self Report - standards; Stress, Psychological - psychology; support; Surveys and Questionnaires
• ISSN: 1057-9249; 1099-1611
• DOI: 10.1002/pon.3362

Background In cancer care, informal primary caregivers provide healthcare professionals with key information regarding patient difficulties. The aim of this study was to assess their ability to report cancer patients' physical, psychological, and social difficulties. Methods We recruited 208 consecutive patients and their informal primary caregivers in 10 oncology units. Patients reported their difficulties on the CAncer Rehabilitation Evaluation System (CARES‐P), whereas caregivers reported their perception of patient difficulties on an adapted CARES questionnaire (CARES‐C). On the basis of CARES‐P and CARES‐C questionnaire answers, correct report rates were defined by the percentage of difficulties reported at least ‘a little’ by patients and by caregivers. False report rates were defined by the percentage of difficulties not reported at least ‘a little’ by patients and reported by caregivers. Patients and their caregivers also provided their distress levels (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale) and coping strategies. Results Caregivers correctly reported 67% of physical, 69% of psychological, and 40% of social difficulties experienced in patients. Caregivers falsely reported 28% of physical, 37% of psychological, and 22% of social difficulties not experienced by patients. Significant correlations were found between all correct and false reported rates. Patient and caregiver characteristics were weakly associated with caregivers' correct and false reports. Conclusions Family primary caregivers correctly reported approximately two thirds of physical and psychological patients' difficulties; however, they had less accurate reports of patients' social difficulties. Correct report rates increased the probability of false report rates. Healthcare professionals should carefully evaluate the accuracy of a primary informal caregiver's report in regards to patient experiences. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.