Cancer often has a profound and lasting impact on those closest to the patient, particularly their family carer. Family carers shoulder a heavy burden of responsibility throughout the cancer experience, both at home and when interacting with the healthcare system. Reflecting their often “invisible” position, family often find themselves in the role of carer with little to no preparation, training, or support. Additionally, some carers report feeling disempowered or overlooked when communicating with health professionals. Indeed, carers report significant unmet informational and psychosocial needs, often greater than patients’. Current policy and professional education does not adequately recognise and address the needs of this crucial informal workforce.
In this talk, Dr Rebekah Laidsaar-Powell will detail her 10+ year research program on improving the involvement of family carers in cancer care. She will give an overview of foundational empirical research she has conducted in this field, and detail how this has been translated into evidence-based communication guidelines for clinicians to facilitate positive and productive carer involvement. She will also provide an overview of how this work has been translated into online, interactive education for health professionals. Dr Laidsaar-Powell will also explore the challenges oncology health professionals can face when communicating with carers, including when family display anger, dominance, or conflict. She will highlight evidence-based communication strategies to help manage these stressful situations as well as key tips in building effective partnerships with carers.