Online support for cancer carers – Caring for the carer

Purpose: To provide information, support and practical tools on how to manage self-care when caring for a family member with cancer and the opportunity to connect with other carers.

Methods: Using a facilitator-led Internet technology, an online psycho-educational support program is delivered to small closed groups of carers in their home, or wherever they have Internet access. The "Online Collaboration" approach combines telephone group conferencing and online learning. One and half hour sessions are provided over a 6-week period. Topics include coping and communication strategies, enhancing physical and emotional wellbeing, information and links to cancer and community support networks. The facilitator guides participants through sessions using screen-based graphics and IP (Internet Protocol) voice conferencing. A participant may speak at any time by "requesting the microphone". A package of information, activity sheets and guidelines for keeping a reflective journal is sent prior to the commencement of each group. An e-Link newsletter is sent to the participants that summarises key points after each session.

Results: A pre and post evaluation using a mixed methodology assessed the extent to which the program objectives were met. On completion of the program, carers were given the option of participating in the Cancer Council's Telephone Support Program and encouraged to join a Cancer Carer Support Network.

Conclusions: Recruiting carers to an online psycho-educational support program is a challenge, requiring familiarity with the technology, and a time commitment. Evaluation of the pilot programs indicates that flexibility in the delivery of the program needs to be considered. Acknowledgments NSW Health Carers Grant.