Aims
Family carer involvement in cancer care is often beneficial, but can at times be challenging and complex. Effective carer engagement by oncology clinicians can result in improved patient/survivor care and outcomes, and can also provide an ideal opportunity for carers to have their own informational and emotional needs met. However, if not well managed, some family carers can derail consultations and impede effective clinical care. Few strategies or interventions have been developed to enhance positive carer engagement in cancer consultations. The aim of this presentation is to describe the development and evaluation of evidence-based guidelines (the TRIO Guidelines) for oncology health professionals to manage and enhance carer involvement in cancer consultations.
Methods
Development of the TRIO Guidelines was based on a comprehensive review of the evidence-base and feedback from an advisory group of 10 academic and clinical experts. Draft guidelines underwent two rounds of evaluation via an online Delphi consensus process involving 35 international experts in medical communication, cancer carers, and oncology care. A multidisciplinary expert advisory group assisted in the development of 8 professionally produced short films which demonstrate the guidelines in practice.
Results
Thirteen key guidelines for managing and enhancing carer involvement in consultations will be presented. These guidelines cover topics such as building rapport with carers, managing sensitive patient information, meeting the emotional needs of carers, and managing challenging and complex situations such as family dominance, conflict, and anger. Purpose developed short films, which demonstrate use of the TRIO Guidelines in common clinical scenarios, will be featured.
Conclusions
These educational resources, designed to enhance carer engagement, have the potential to improve patient’s and family carer’s experiences in cancer consultations as well as improving clinicians confidence when interacting with family carers.