Family Caregivers' Unmet Needs in Long-term Cancer Survivorship

Abstract

Objectives: To review the family caregivers' unmet needs in the long-term phase of survivorship to identify unique challenges faced by family caregivers.

Data sources: Research-based articles and published reports.

Conclusion: Family caregivers diverge into three distinct groups in the long-term survivorship phase: those remaining in care, those whose patients have survived and where care is no longer needed, and those whose patients have died. Their primary unmet needs vary by the different caregivership trajectories.

Implications for nursing practice: Comprehensive understanding of family caregivers' unmet needs is required to develop family caregiver care plans in long-term survivorship.

Keywords: bereavement; caregivers; long-term cancer care; long-term survivorship; unmet needs.