Table 2 Summary of review of intervention studies of family support during palliative and end of life care

Hudson et al. (2005) [48]

To enhance support and guidance for caregivers

Lazarus and Folkman’s transactional model of stress and coping

Information about typical aspects and common issues associated with caregiver role

Provide opportunity to access information and provide basis for skill acquisition

Helping caregiver to construct meaning, normalising emotional reactions, encouraging them to see positive aspects of experience, offering spiritual guidance

Reinforcement role of p/c services and other services and providing strategies for involving family and friends

To provide options by offering caregivers an opportunity to identify issues and plan goals/strategies and advising caregivers of their rights

To promote self-care by encouraging caregivers to enhance their physical and mental health by taking time out, exercise, sleep, relaxation

Manne et al. (2004) [47]

Not specifically stated but aim was to evaluate impact of psychoeducational group intervention

Stress and coping theory (Lazarus, 1994) and social and cognitive processes of adaptation to difficult life events (Horowitz, 1986) – difficult events challenge preconceptions of world, must make sense of situation

Information about cancer and treatment and treatment side-effects

Education about importance of open communication

Theoretically predicated on sense making

Education about adaptive coping (finding meaning and benefit in experience) and about maladaptive coping (denial, avoidance)

Not reported

Skills training in communication

Not reported

McMillan et al. (2006) [51]

McMillan and Small (2007) [52]

To increase caregivers QOL and sense of mastery in order to reduce caregiver burden and enhance caregiver coping

Not stated but implicitly stress and coping theory

Lay information

(optimism)

Not reported

Problem-solving coaching with four component – creativity, optimism, planning, information

Not reported

Northouse et al. (2005) [49]

To improve stress appraisal variables (appraisal of illness or caregiving, uncertainty, hopelessness), coping resources, symptom distress and QOL

Stress appraisal model from Lazarus and colleagues

Provision of information to reduce uncertainty

Encourage optimistic outlook

Not reported

Coping effectiveness

Education about how to manage symptoms

Not reported

Northouse et al. (2007) [50]

To improve stress appraisal variables (appraisal of illness or caregiving, uncertainty, hopelessness), coping resources, symptom distress and QOL

Stress appraisal model from Lazarus and colleagues

Provision information to reduce uncertainty

Encourage optimistic outlook

Not reported

Coping effectiveness

Education about how to manage symptoms

Not reported

Walsh et al. (2007) [53]

To provide increased support for people caring for patients receiving specialist palliative care

Not stated

Advice about patient care andphysical care needs

Advice about planning for future

Advice about psychological health, relationships and social networks

Advice about health and social care providers

Not reported

Advice about time needed away from patient