Symposium

Supporting the Cancer Caregiver: Development of a Cancer Caregiver Support Group at an Inpatient Rehabilitation Facility 4504

Corresponding Presenter(s)

• 

  Alyssa B. Hartman, PT, DPT

  Physical Therapist- Level III
  Atrium Health's Carolinas Rehabilitation- Charlotte
  Charlotte, NC, United States

  Slides

Presenter(s)

• EC

  Emily Carpenito, MS CCC-SLP

  Speech Language Pathologist
  Atrium - Carolinas Rehabilitation
  Charlotte, NC, United States
• 

  Terrence M. Pugh, MD

  Clinical Associate Professor; Director of Oncology Rehabilitation
  Wake Forest University SOM; Atrium Health Carolinas Rehabilitation
  Charlotte, NC, United States

This symposium discusses the establishment of a cancer caregiver support group within an inpatient rehabilitation facility and the positive impact on length of stay (LOS), discharges to community, and minimization of readmission rates within 30-days post discharge. We will discuss the logistical challenges associated with the creation and implementation of a support group, use of feedback via caregiver survey related to impact on caregiver burden, and areas of focus for each session through an interdisciplinary approach.

Learning Objectives:

• Define caregiver burden and identify the need for a structured cancer caregiver support group and education.
• Review current literature regarding successful structure, educational material and development of a cancer caregiver support group.
• Discuss implementation of a cancer caregiver support group at an inpatient rehabilitation hospital including barriers and limitations.
• Discuss impact on length of stay (LOS), discharges to community, and readmission rates within 30-days post discharge from inpatient rehabilitation facility.
• Define caregiver burden and identify the need for a structured cancer caregiver support group and education.