INNV-18. CAREGIVER SUPPORT IN THE NEURO-ONCOLOGY CLINIC; IDEAS TO ADDRESS THE NEEDS OF CAREGIVERS AS PART OF THE PATIENT CAREPLAN

Abstract

BACKGROUND

Support of the neuro-oncology caregiver is a critical element of patient care, and enhances the well-being of the caregiver and patient. At UCSF, the Gordon Murray Caregiver Program has a RN, social worker, and coordinator team dedicated to providing tailored services to caregivers across the disease trajectory. For programs where resources may be more limited, it is a challenge to address caregiver needs as well as the clinical care of the patient. We identified the areas of highest need and program utilization as a focus point for those looking to expand into caregiver support. METHOD: We reviewed the experience in our program in providing services to over 800 caregivers over the last 5 years. We noted domains of highest need, time points along the illness trajectory where caregivers utilized the most services and noted the specifics of the care delivered.

RESULTS

High need areas for caregivers include the need for emotional support, health information and health navigation. Significant time points noted for most referrals for care were at diagnosis, disease progression, and/or transition to hospice. Emotional needs were addressed through consultations with Caregiver Program members and/or a caregiver specific support group. Health information was provided using disease specific and illness trajectory specific materials. Navigation was facilitated with nurse or social worker consultations.

CONCLUSION

Addressing the needs of the caregiver starts by acknowledging the caregiver as part of the care team from the time of diagnosis. Neuro-oncology programs can leverage existing resources to provide caregivers support, such as health information appropriate to the clinical status of the patient, connections to caregiver specific community resources, support in developing positive coping strategies and host a caregiver specific support group. These are efficient and low cost methods to work on addressing caregiver needs.