Communicating advanced cancer patients' symptoms via the Internet: a pooled analysis of two randomized trials examining caregiver preparedness, physical burden, and negative mood.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Using available communication technologies, clinicians may offer timely support to family caregivers in managing symptoms in patients with advanced cancer at home.

Aim

To assess the effects of an online symptom reporting system on caregiver preparedness, physical burden, and negative mood.

Design

A pooled analysis of two randomized trials (NCT00214162 and NCT00365963) was conducted to compare caregiver outcomes at 6 and 12 months after intervention between two randomized, unblinded groups using General Linear Mixed Modeling. Caregivers in one group (Comprehensive Health Enhancement Support System-Only) were given access to an interactive cancer communication system, the Comprehensive Health Enhancement Support System. Those in the other group (Comprehensive

SUBMITTER: Chih MY 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3819140 | biostudies-literature | 2013 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature