The Implementation Of The Crp At The Wxxxx Oncology Clinic

The implementation of the CRP at the WXXXX oncology clinic is an important step in addressing the unmet needs informal caregivers face. Based on data obtained from patient satisfaction surveys and input from clinical staff, the care of the caregiver is an important issue that needs to be addressed. The literature reviewed detailed various intervention recommendations and provided substantial evidence necessitating the importance of caring for the caregiver.
The fact is that caregivers provide an amazing service to their loved ones as well as the healthcare organization when they are asked to fulfill the role of primary caregiver. Caregivers ought to be protected from physical and emotional distress through interventions offering support and education. Interventions aimed at supporting the caregiver as the direct recipient of care improve caregiver confidence and competence resulting in better patient care thereby reducing caregiver stress level and improving their sense of control (Given, Given, & Sherwood, 2012; Belgacem, et al., 2013; & Boele, et al., 2013).
The literature reviewed in this paper highlighted the importance of caring for the caregiver. While the interventions and outcomes varied, multicomponent interventions such as the CRP program discussed have been shown to have the best outcomes (Ducharme, 2014). The implementation of psychoeducational interventions for caregivers of newly diagnosed cancer patients positively affected the caregivers’ quality of life (Chambers et al., 2014). The implementation of the CRP piloted in the oncology setting will allow for the program to be tested and modified as needed to provide the best care to patients and their caregivers while honoring the values and preferences they hol...

... middle of paper ...

...h the utilization of the American Red Cross volunteers and coordination of training of unit super-users in each area of the hospital that can be managed by the organization staff education and training department.
The review of the literature detailed the importance and responsibilities the informal caregiver has in caring for the oncology patient. Given all the data, the competency and needs of the informal caregiver should be carefully assessed and further addressed. Often times the nursing and medical staff are unaware of the needs of the patient and caregivers, and patients are unfamiliar with what support services are available. The introduction of the CRP is a valuable step in recognizing these issues while offering a plan to help reduce the strain and burden caregivers face while at the same time focusing on providing the best available care for the patient.