Aims
Carers of people with cancer experience significant distress and up to 40% experience a diagnosable mental health problem yet very few services address this need. The aim was to evaluate utilisation and impacts of a pilot clinical psychology service to address the unmet needs of carers.
Methods
A carers clinical psychology service was established in March 2023 in metropolitan Melbourne. A retrospective file audit was conducted of service provision (referral rates, appointment number, presenting problem, intervention provided), carer and patient characteristics and psychological pre- and post-outcome data between 1 March 2023 to 29 February 2024. Service provision and carer and patient characteristic data were summarised as counts and percentages. Outcome data were analysed using t-tests.
Results
Seventy-four carers were referred to the clinic. Carers were predominantly female (74%) and caring for their spouse/partner (63%). A third of carers lived regionally. Common presenting concerns were anxiety, grief, low mood, and relationship difficulties. Common interventions provided were, cognitive behavioural therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, existential intervention and communication skills training. Evaluation data showed that carers found the service acceptable. Pre- and post-outcome data indicated significant improvements in anxiety and depression and carer quality of life (M=4.6, SD=3.8, range=1– 8, t(27) = 7.7, p < .001; M=5.4, SD=3.7, range=1–15, t(27) =5.6, p < .05; M=6.1, SD=1.4, t(27)=-3.8, p <.05).
Conclusions
Carers experience significant rates of psychological distress and impacts on quality life. Brief psychological intervention for cancer carers is accessible and acceptable. Preliminary data suggest psychological interventions for carers may improve mental health and quality of life, supporting carers to manage in their caring role.