The impact of classic Hodgkin lymphoma on informal caregivers: results from the CONNECT cross-sectional survey

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Abstract

Purpose: As part of the CONNECT study, we evaluated the caregiver role in treatment decision-making when caring for patients with classic Hodgkin lymphoma (cHL) in the USA. Methods: The CONNECT caregiver survey was administered online December 2020–March 2021 to self-identified adult caregivers of cHL patients recruited from patient referrals and online panels. The caregiver’s role in treatment decision-making, health-related quality of life (HRQoL, PROMIS-Global), and work impacts (WPAI:CG) were assessed. Results: We surveyed 209 caregivers (58% women; median age 47 years; 54% employed; 53% spouse/partner); 69% of patients cared for were diagnosed with cHL in the past 1–2 years, with 48% having stage III/IV cHL and 29% in remission. More spouse/partner than other caregivers were involved in caregiving at symptom onset (61% vs 27%), whereas more other than spouse/partner caregivers began after first treatment (34% vs 5%). Cure, caregivers’ top treatment goal (49%), was rated higher by spouse/partner than other caregivers (56% vs 42%). More spouse/partner than other caregivers were involved in treatment option discussions with physicians (52% vs 28%), were involved in patients’ treatment decisions (54% vs 23%), and were aligned with patients’ treatment goals (93% vs 79%). While caregivers reported HRQoL similar to that of the general population, nearly 30% of employed caregivers reported work impairment. Conclusion: Cure was caregivers’ top treatment goal. Spouse/partner vs other caregivers were more involved, were involved earlier, and reported greater alignment with patient treatment goals and decision-making. Caregivers reported good HRQoL; however, caregiving impacted work productivity regardless of patient relationship.

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Flora, D. R., Evens, A. M., Liu, N., Yu, K. S., Byrd, R., Fanale, M. A., … Parsons, S. K. (2023). The impact of classic Hodgkin lymphoma on informal caregivers: results from the CONNECT cross-sectional survey. Supportive Care in Cancer, 31(12). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00520-023-08120-8

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