Completed Research Project
Predicting bereavement outcomes in caregivers of women with ovarian cancer
Investigators: Butow P, Charles M, Price M, Kristjanson L, Lobb EA.
Funding: University of Sydney Cancer Research Fund 2006-2007($87,223)
Administering institution: University of Sydney
Abstract: There is a growing awareness of the impact that cancer has not only on the person themselves but on their family members, and in particular on their informal carers. An integral part of caring for people with cancer is the provision of a support system to assist the patient and the family to cope during the patient’s illness. At no time is this more critical than at the end of life when family caregivers are intimately involved with decision making and in providing physical and psychological support for the patient. In recent years this awareness has led to a more focused approach towards providing targeted supportive care for people with cancer and their families and carers, at diagnosis, at recurrence and at the end of life; however, much less attention has been given to the ongoing impact on carers after the person with cancer has died. This study aims to assess the physical and psychological impact of bereavement on bereaved ovarian cancer caregivers; to establish the prevalence of complicated grief in this population and to document partners’/carers’ access to and utilisation of palliative care services.
