Back to Annual Meeting Page		American Public Health Association 133rd Annual Meeting & Exposition December 10-14, 2005 Philadelphia, PA

Abstract #112406

Lori L. Bernard, PhD¹, Susan K. Dinauer, BA², Fiona M. McTavish, MS¹, David H. Gustafson, PhD¹, and James F. Cleary, MD³. (1) Center for Health Systems Research and Analysis, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 610 Walnut Street, WARF Building 1120, Madison, WI 53726, (608) 265-4088, lbernard@chsra.wisc.edu, (2) Center for Health Systems Research and Analysis, University of Wisconsin - Madison, 610 walnut street, WARF Building 1120, Madison, WI 53726, (3) Palliative Care Program, University of Wisconsin Comprehensive Cancer Center, 600 Highland Ave, Madison, WI 53726

Cancer inflicts suffering on patients, their families and social networks. Patients often depend on family for assistance in their care. These family members are often ill-prepared for the physical, emotional, and financial burdens of caregiving, increasing their risk for secondary morbidity. As 65-80% of caregivers are women, and economic and health trends predict increasing need for home-based care, caregiver issues are a significant public health concern for women. Cancer coping is enhanced by effective, ongoing communication among patients, caregivers, and clinicians. Our research examines whether CHESS (Comprehensive Health Enhancement Support System), a web-based information/support service created by medical, communication, psychology and decision scientists, can improve cancer-related outcomes for patients and caregivers. Past CHESS research, particularly with breast cancer patients, has shown CHESS to improve quality of life and lead to more effective health services use. Current research expands CHESS to address advanced stage cancer and to specifically target cancer caregivers. It strives to reach older and underserved populations, including rural families and patients and caregivers of color. We anticipate use of CHESS, by enhancing caregiver competence and reducing burden, will improve patient quality of life and symptom distress, and reduce caregiver negative affect and difficulty with bereavement adjustment. Examination of longitudinal data throughout the cancer trajectory including bereavement will increase understanding of the means by which such computer systems have their effect. For this presentation we will introduce CHESS and demonstrate tools developed to address caregiver needs. Furthermore, we will present preliminary findings of use data and receptivity to CHESS.

Learning Objectives:

By the end of the presentation, the participant will be able to (
• identify the variety of needs caregivers experience in the course of providing care for someone with advanced cancer; (
• recognize aspects of a web-based information and support system that may promote caregiver competence and well-being; and (
• apply principles learned from current research to inform future development and implementation of computer-based patient and caregiver interventions.

Keywords: Caregivers, Internet Tools

Related Web page: chess.chsra.wisc.edu/Chess/

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

I wish to disclose that I have NO financial interests or other relationship with the manufactures of commercial products, suppliers of commercial services or commercial supporters.

Recorded presentation