open access: Caring for the Whole Patient: The Science of Psychosocial Care

Caring for the Whole Patient: The Science of Psychosocial Care

"This Journal of Clinical Oncology Special Series relates to the science of psychosocial care. This series is designed to provide oncology professionals with the most recent information about the psychological, psychiatric, and social aspects of cancer care.....

abstract: Psychosocial Care for Family Caregivers of Patients With Cancer [Review Articles]

Psychosocial Care for Family Caregivers of Patients With Cancer [Review Articles]:

Purpose
To understand family caregivers' needs for better preparation and care, this state-of-the-science review examines the effect of caregiving on the health and well-being of caregivers, the efficacy of research-tested interventions on patient and caregiver outcomes, implications of the research on policy and practice, and recommendations for practice and future research.

Methods
We reviewed research that described the multiple effects of cancer on caregivers' well-being. Five meta-analyses were analyzed to determine the effect of interventions with caregivers on patient and caregiver outcomes. In addition, we reviewed legislation such as the Affordable Care Act and the Family Leave Act along with current primary care practice to determine whether family caregivers' needs have been addressed.