Development of a Community-Based Communication Intervention among Latin Caregivers of Patients Coping with Cancer.

Background: Cancer affects the emotional well-being of patients and caregivers, highlighting the need for effective communication strategies. This study explores a community-based communication intervention for Latino caregiver-patient dyads coping with cancer. The acceptability of the intervention, along with its associated facilitators and barriers, are crucial considerations. Methods: Three focus group interviews involved healthcare providers, community partners, patients, and caregivers to discuss the communication needs of this population and the components of a communication intervention while identifying facilitators and barriers to the intervention. Qualitative thematic content analysis was conducted using Nvivo v12, ensuring reliability through independent analysis and consensus building. Results: Participants (89% female, average age of 53) included patients (30%), caregivers (30%), community partners (25%), and healthcare providers (15%), and they discussed the overall acceptability of adapting a communication intervention, where they emphasized benefits for caregivers and patients, primarily through support groups. Communication strategies accepted by participants include psychological support, cancer education, assertive communication skills, and methods for improved interactions with healthcare providers and extended family. Conclusions: Participants' responses align with the current literature, emphasizing problem-solving, mutual support, and communication strategies and underscoring the role of community partners. The study underlines the necessity for culturally tailored communication interventions for Latino families facing cancer.

Importance of Communication Skills Training and Meaning Centered Psychotherapy Concepts among Patients and Caregivers Coping with Advanced Cancer.

Latinos are more likely to be diagnosed with advanced cancer and have specific existential and communication needs. Concepts within Meaning-Centered Psychotherapy (MCP) interventions and Communications Skills Training (CST) assist patients in attending to these needs. However, Latino-tailored MCP interventions have yet to be adapted for advanced cancer patients and caregivers. A cross-sectional survey was administered to Latino advanced cancer patients and caregivers where participants rated the importance of the goals and concepts of MCP and CST. Fifty-seven (n = 57) Latino advanced cancer patients and fifty-seven (n = 57) caregivers completed the survey. Most participants rated MCP concepts as extremely important, ranging from 73.75% to 95.5%. Additionally, 86.8% favored finding meaning in their life after a cancer diagnosis. Participants (80.7%) also selected the concept of finding and maintaining hope to cope with their cancer diagnosis. Finally, participants found CST concepts and skills acceptable, ranging from 81.6% to 91.2%. Results indicate the acceptability of Meaning-Centered Therapy and Communication Skills Training among Latino advanced cancer patients and caregivers coping with advanced cancer. These results will inform the topics to be discussed in a culturally adapted psychosocial intervention for advanced cancer patients and their informal caregivers.