Oral Presentation 2025 Joint Meeting of the COSA ASM and IPOS Congress

Can we empower carers in their role? Evaluation of an online program for cancer carers to enhance their communication with oncology professionals (#179)

Rebekah Laidsaar-Powell 1 , Sarah Giunta 1 , Phyllis Butow 1 , Daniel Costa 2 , Cosette Saunders 2 , Annie Miller 1 , Bogda Koczwara 3 , Judy Kay 4 , Michael Jefford 5 , Sandra Turner 4 , Christobel Saunders 6 , Penelope Schofield 7 , Fran Boyle 4 , Patsy Yates 8 , Kate White 4 , Hannah Banks 1 , Ilona Juraskova 1
  1. PoCoG, School of Psychology, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
  2. School of Psychology, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
  3. Australian Research Centre for Cancer Survivorship, UNSW, Sydney, Australia
  4. University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
  5. Peter McCallum Department of Oncology , University of Melbourne
  6. Department of Surgery, Royal Melbourne Hospital, The University of Melbourne
  7. Department of Psychology, and Iverson Health Innovation Research Institute Swinburne University, Melbourne
  8. Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane

Background and aims: Family/friend carers play a vital role in cancer care, yet many report feeling unprepared and unsure of how to communicate with oncology clinicians. We co-designed eTRIO for Carers; a novel eLearning program to enhance carer empowerment, role clarity, and to provide strategies for effective communication and advocacy in cancer consultations. This study evaluated the program’s effectiveness in improving carer preparedness and confidence in communicating with oncology health professionals.

Methods: eTRIO for Carers was evaluated using a hybrid effectiveness-implementation design with pre-post single-arm intervention. Carers were recruited via support organisations and social media, and completed measures at baseline and 1- and 12-weeks post-intervention. The primary outcome was change in carers’ confidence (self-efficacy) in communication with health professionals, secondary outcomes examined for change in carer preparedness, distress, and quality of life. Program usability and acceptability were assessed via feedback questionnaires, qualitative interviews, and program-user analytics.

Results: Thirty-nine carers completed the eTRIO for Carers program and 1-week follow-up measures; 37 completed 12-week follow-up. Carers’ confidence in communicating with health professionals significantly improved post-intervention (F(1,78)=4.74,p=.032), alongside increased preparedness for caregiving (F(1,76)=8.28,p=.005) and reduced distress (F(1,78)=4.97,p=.028), with all gains maintained at 12-week follow-up. No other outcomes were significant. Program adherence was high (93% of participants completed all program sections), with an average completion time of 42 minutes. Carer exit interviews highlighted a strengthened sense of ‘agency’ and ‘preparation’, underscoring the program’s perceived value.

Discussion: This study provides preliminary evidence that eTRIO for Carers enhances carer confidence and readiness for participation in cancer consultations. Results indicate that an improved sense of agency and role clarity may have reduced feelings of distress, however this requires further evaluation with a larger randomised controlled trial. Given its brevity, high acceptability, and scalability, eTRIO for Carers has strong potential for integration into cancer services and community organisations.