Quality of life among caregivers of patients with Glioblastoma Multiforme

Glioblastoma Multiform (GBM), a malignant tumor of the central nervous system, is the most aggressive and malignant among astrocytomas. Median survival time with standard treatment is 10-12 months. Patient and family are involved as the unit of care in the treatment. Family needs of support and information are not usually considerate regarding physical and emotional stress. Therefore, effective psychological support to family members is critical. This book presents a study on the quality of life (QOL) of non-professional caregivers of GBM patients, by means of a psychoeducational program for guidance and information. The research design was based in an Experimental Group (EG) and a Control Group (CG), both assessed at the beginning and at the end of the study. The variable was a psychoeducational program for the family member. EG participants showed significant improvement in QOL. As to CG, QOL got worse in all domains. The psychoeducational program proved to be beneficial to them, improving wellness and QOL for the family caregiver. Doctors, nurses, psychologists, social workers will be interested in this book on cancer patient family needs and psychoeducational intervention.