Epari Amruta, Kim Kevin, Xiao Canhua, Porter Laura S, Alese Olatunji B, Northouse Laurel, Liu Darren, Graetz Ilana, Lin Yufen
Author Affiliations: Emory College of Arts and Sciences (Ms Epari and Mr Kim), Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing (Dr Xiao, Mr Liu, and Dr Lin), and Winship Cancer Institute (Drs Xiao, Alese, Graetz, and Lin), Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia; Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, School of Medicine, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina (Dr Porter); and School of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia (Dr Alese); School of Nursing, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor (Dr Northouse); and Department of Health Policy and Management, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia (Dr Graetz).
Cancer Nurs. 2024 Nov 29. doi: 10.1097/NCC.0000000000001429.
Colorectal cancer (CRC) patients and their caregivers often experience multiple co-occurring symptoms (eg, fatigue, depression, anxiety, and sleep disturbance). There is a noticeable gap in research regarding symptom management for patient-caregiver dyads, particularly using technology-based tools.
This study aimed to describe the needs and perceptions of patient-caregiver dyads regarding a technology-based tool to manage their multiple symptoms.
This study utilized a qualitative descriptive design with purposive sampling. Semistructured interviews were conducted with CRC patients undergoing chemotherapy and their caregivers. Thematic analysis was performed to identify key themes.
The study included 11 patients and 8 caregivers (8 patient-caregiver dyads and 3 patients without dyads). Four main themes emerged: (1) high symptom burden experienced by CRC patients and their caregivers; (2) symptom self-management strategies, including information seeking and self-education, family and social support, and coping strategies; (3) input and suggestions for technology use, covering aspects such as content, format, and specific technology features; and (4) concerns about barriers to healthcare access, including technological literacy, geographical distance, and time constraints.
Our findings provide novel insights into experiences, needs, and suggestions of CRC patient-caregiver dyads for managing multiple symptoms. Participants emphasized the importance of developing a tailored, technology-based tool that includes personalized, evidence-based content; accessible and intuitive design features; and interactive social support capabilities.
Leveraging these findings, we aim to develop a technology-based dyadic intervention tool that addresses the psychosocial needs of CRC patient-caregiver dyads. This approach can also enhance health equity by making care more accessible.
结直肠癌（CRC）患者及其照护者常常会同时经历多种症状（如疲劳、抑郁、焦虑和睡眠障碍）。关于患者 - 照护者二元组症状管理的研究存在明显差距，尤其是在基于技术的工具使用方面。
本研究旨在描述患者 - 照护者二元组对基于技术的工具来管理其多种症状的需求和看法。
本研究采用定性描述性设计和目的抽样法。对正在接受化疗的CRC患者及其照护者进行了半结构化访谈。进行主题分析以确定关键主题。
该研究纳入了11名患者和8名照护者（8个患者 - 照护者二元组和3名单独患者）。出现了四个主要主题：（1）CRC患者及其照护者经历的高症状负担；（2）症状自我管理策略，包括信息寻求和自我教育、家庭和社会支持以及应对策略；（3）对技术使用的意见和建议，涵盖内容、形式和特定技术功能等方面；（4）对医疗保健获取障碍的担忧，包括技术素养、地理距离和时间限制。
我们的研究结果为CRC患者 - 照护者二元组管理多种症状的经历、需求和建议提供了新的见解。参与者强调开发一种量身定制的、基于技术的工具的重要性，该工具应包括个性化的、基于证据的内容；易于使用和直观的设计功能；以及交互式社会支持能力。
利用这些研究结果，我们旨在开发一种基于技术的二元干预工具，以满足CRC患者 - 照护者二元组的心理社会需求。这种方法还可以通过使护理更容易获得来提高健康公平性。
