Improving Cancer Family Caregivers' Knowledge and Communication About Care Options

"MCC-CG is a set of 7 printed modules including information about caregiver-nominated SM topics, conversation starters to facilitate communication with patients and providers, and links to caregiver resources. The modules are as follows:~1. Becoming a Cancer Caregiver \[role, changes, challenges, adjusting, self-care\]~2. Basics of Cancer Caregiving \[physical, functional, emotional, social, \& spiritual support; treatment timeline worksheet\]~3. Caregiver's Role in Managing Patient Care \[who/what is involved; health care professionals worksheet\]~4. Managing Cancer Symptoms and Side Effects \[common symptoms/side effects; maintaining health; nutrition \& exercise; medication management worksheet\]~5. Care Options: \[information on curative, palliative and hospice care\]~6. Talking About Goals of Care \[information on goals of care conversations\]~7. Managing Transitions \[defining transitions, transition examples, helping yourself and patient to manage transitions; transitions worksheet\]"

Along with an overview of symptom management, the Toolkit provides concise information on commonly experienced symptoms, including fatigue, alopecia, cognitive dysfunction, nausea and vomiting, and sleep problems, among others. Each chapter uses a question-and-answer format to cover the topics of who is most likely to experience the symptom, when and why the symptom may occur, how the symptom can be managed, and when to call a provider. Drs. Schulman-Green and McCorkle have previously tested the Symptom Toolkit in an attention-control group.