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An Analysis of Educational and Learning Needs of Cancer Patients and Unrelated Family Caregivers

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Abstract

Family caregiving involves the provision of care by family members and self-care by patients, with the two groups participating together in illness-related care. A convenience sample of 100 patients and 100 unrelated family caregivers were surveyed to examine their perceptions of the caregiving skills they perform, the difficulty they experience in performing certain skills, and their associated learning needs. Descriptive analysis of data revealed differences in the type of activities patients and caregivers perform, the perceived difficulty of caregiving tasks, and their need for assistance. Uncertainty about disease stage poses important implications for educators.

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Acknowledgements

The authors thank Dr. Judith Headley for her assistance in data analysis and interpretation.

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Correspondence to Patricia Potter.

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Potter, P., Deshields, T., Kuhrik, M. et al. An Analysis of Educational and Learning Needs of Cancer Patients and Unrelated Family Caregivers. J Canc Educ 25, 538–542 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1007/s13187-010-0076-z

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