Couples coping with cancer together: Successful implementation of a caregiver program as standard of care. Issue 5 (1st March 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Bitz, Courtney; Kent, Erin E.; Clark, Karen; Loscalzo, Matthew
• Is Part Of: Psycho-oncology. Volume 29:Issue 5(2020)
• Page Start: 902
• Page End: 909
• Publication Date: 2020-03-01
• Subjects: cancer -- caregivers -- couples -- gender -- implementation science -- oncology -- problem‐solving -- sex factors -- standard of care -- strategic; Cancer -- Psychological aspects -- Periodicals; Cancer -- Social aspects -- Periodicals; Neoplasms -- psychology -- Periodicals; 616.9940019
• DOI: 10.1002/pon.5364
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1057-9249

Abstract

Abstract: Objective: The couples coping with cancer together program (CCCT) is used to illustrate practical strategies to implement, evaluate, and grow a successful couples‐based program in an NCI‐designated CCC. CCCT is multimodal program utilizing psychoeducational, strategic, strengths‐based, and problem‐solving theoretical frameworks. CCCT integrates multiple intervention modalities, as the standard of care: patients/partners biopsychosocial screening, a standardized psychoeducational session, group intervention, and short‐term couples counseling. Methods: Implementation strategies included: (a) identifying Values‐Benefits‐Outcomes for key stakeholders, (b) recruiting an interdisciplinary team, (c) utilizing a concurrent development model (implementing program components in small iterations), (d) integrating program into existing institutional processes, and (e) collecting data and credibility. Results: CCCT prospectively screened 1995 patients/partners simultaneously for biopsychosocial distress and 913 patient/partner completed program evaluations. Program satisfaction was extremely high: "I recommend this program, for other patients/partners (Patients 95.4% Partners 96.4%)." Ten of the 11 participating physicians anonymously surveyed responded and indicated 100% likely/very likely "to recommend the program to other physicians." Conclusions: Couples‐based programs are underutilized and have been shown to be important for adjustment and increased longevity. Despite barriers in the healthcare environment, implementing couples‐based programs into standard of care are feasible. These strategies may be applicable to develop supportive care programs in various health‐care settings.