A scoping review of caregiver-identified priorities for support: Focus on cancer caregiving

Abstract

Introduction The vast majority of older adults living with cancer rely on informal caregivers. Caregivers often require additional support to facilitate their role. This subanalysis of scoping review results collates priorities for support identified by caregivers to older adults living with cancer. Methods Arksey and O’Malley’s scoping review framework guides this review. We searched MEDLINE, CINAHL and PsycINFO databases on July 2, 2021. We selected databases based on their relevance to health and social science. Inclusion criteria were peer-reviewed research of any design, a sample population of caregivers to older adults (>60 years), manuscripts published in English, and the priorities for caregiver support were iden- tified by caregivers themselves. Results We screened a total of 3591 records, and 34 articles met the inclusion criteria. Six focused explicitly on cancer caregiving. In our synthesis, we quantified the identified priorities within the studies using coding and content analysis. Articles related to cancer caregiving were isolated and sub-analyzed. We identify and order five priority themes, as follows: (1) orientation to role; (2) engagement in cancer care; (3) learning about self- care; (4) access to respite; (5) finances and policy. Conclusions Researchers have previously engaged caregivers in setting priorities for support interventions. This subanalysis of scoping review results presents a synthesized list of cancer caregivers’ priorities for support. Policymakers, healthcare professionals, and non-profit organizations can use this synthesis to guide decisions when developing support inter- ventions for caregivers to older adults living with cancer.