Understanding the critical role of blood cancer spousal caregivers in clinical communication before, during, and after medical visits

Abstract

ABSTRACT Background: The presence of a family caregiver during medical visits is common and can be important to ensure quality cancer care. Yet, little is known about caregivers' perspectives and experiences navigating triadic medical visits, including communication between caregivers, patients (or individuals with cancer), and clinicians. Using a multiple-goals theoretical framework, we sought to capture communication strategies that spousal caregivers use during triadic medical visits. Methods: We conducted semistructured interviews with 15 spouses providing care for a patient living with blood cancer. Caregivers were recruited using Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's constituent database. Data were thematically analyzed using a constant comparative method approach. Results: Findings demonstrated that caregivers use communication strategies not just during the triadic medical visit but before, during, after, and ongoing throughout visits. We identified eight communication strategies associated with caregivers' goals. Caregivers discuss questions together, keep lists, search for online information, exchange information, ask questions, take notes, debrief together, and advocate for care. Conclusion: Caregivers' lived accounts demonstrate how their communication approaches are motivated by care-related goals. Themes draw attention to key strategies that can inform communication skills interventions for clinicians, patients, and their spouses across identified phases.