Effects on Depressive Symptomatology of Caregivers of Cancer Patients

A randomized, controlled trial of patient/caregiver symptom control intervention. Effects on depressive symptomatology of caregivers of cancer patients.

Citation Kurtz, M. E., Kurtz, J. C., Given, C. W. &Given, B. (2005). A randomized, controlled trial of patient/caregiver symptom control intervention. Effects on depressive symptomatology of caregivers of cancer patients. Journal of Pain and Symptom Management, 30(2), 112-122.

Design Experiment.

Purpose The purpose of this study was to investigate whether a clinical nursing intervention focusing on teaching family caregivers and their cancer patient skills to better manage the patient’s symptoms would reduce caregiver depressive symptomatology.

Participants The participants of this study were (N=237) patient/caregiver dyads randomly assigned to a 20-week experimental intervention group (n=118) or to a conventional care control group (n=119).

Outcome / Dependent Variables Caregiver’s depressive symptoms measured on the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale (CES-D).

Procedure The treatment focused on assisting the patient and caregiver in managing patient symptoms and reducing emotional distress by administering 10 intervention (based on Bandura’s cognitive behavioral framework) contacts (five in person and five over the telephone).

Outcomes The findings of the study did not indicate that the clinical intervention was effective in decreasing caregiver depression over the 20 week course of the study. However, this article provides a insightful discussion on the complexities of caregiver depression.

Note: compare with the Dellasega, & Zerbe (2002) article. Very little literature shows effectiveness of interventions (any interventions) on cg’s depression.