Closer: A videoconference intervention for distance caregivers of cancer patients.
Eric Blackstone, Amy R Lipson, Sara L Douglas
PMID 31119765WHAT IT FOUND
No outcome results are reported for a videoconference program being tested for distant cancer caregivers.
Website-only participants sometimes dropped out because they wanted videoconference access.
Key findings
01The trial compares three arms: videoconference during oncology visits plus four monthly advanced practice nurse or licensed independent social worker coaching sessions, videoconference only, or website only.
02By year three, 332 patients and their distance caregivers were enrolled, with a 19% refusal rate and a 12% dropout rate.
03Website-only participants sometimes dropped out because they wanted videoconference access; after offering delayed videoconference and two $50 gift cards, dropout fell from 19% to 12%.
STILL TO COME
How it was doneWhat they foundWhat it means for RNs
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What it does not show
No caregiver or patient outcome results are reported, so the paper does not show whether videoconference access or coaching reduces anxiety, distress, depression, burden, or health problems. The study used convenience sampling and required patient permission before contacting caregivers, which may slow enrollment and select caregivers with patient support. Participants needed English, internet access, and the ability to join weekday videoconferences, so caregivers with rigid jobs may be underrepresented. Website-only participants were disappointed and some dropped out, which may affect retention comparisons.
Declared interests
The authors declared no conflicts of interest. The study was funded by the National Institute of Nursing Research/National Institutes of Health.
The easy way to misread this
Do not read this paper as evidence that videoconference access to oncology visits, nurse or social worker coaching, or a website reduces caregiver anxiety, distress, depression, burden, or health problems. It reports trial setup and enrollment, not outcome results.