Part 1: The importance of carers

Clinician

• When carers are involved in cancer care, some clinicians feel reassured that:
• The patient better understands the information provided.
• The patient is more engaged and supported in the decision-making process.
• The patient is receiving quality care at home.
• Carers can provide clinicians with valuable opinions on how the patient is coping.
• Some clinicians feel they save time by having assistance from the patient's carer.

“An engaged and informed carer reassures health professionals that high quality care doesn’t stop when the patient leaves the clinic. They are one of our health system’s greatest assets”. Psycho-oncology expert.

Carer

• If present, carers will have the opportunity to ask clinicians questions and have their questions answered.
• Many carers appreciate feeling “on the same page” as the patient in regards to the cancer, treatment options, and prognosis.
• Carers often appreciate being able to contribute to the care of person they love.
• They may be able to contribute to discussions about important treatment decisions, and then better able to understand the treatments and reasons for them.
• Carers may feel more empowered and confident to provide care at home.

“I think [attending consultations] made the process easier for the both of us, because we were both getting the same information at the same time. Therefore, there wasn’t any misunderstanding or confusion that might arise if [patient] was trying to relay information to me afterwards”. Sarah*, Family Carer.

Patient

• Carers might help the patient organise, understand and remember information.
• Carers often drive patients to consultations, help arrange appointments, and help organise paperwork.
• Carers can be a source of emotional support during consultations.
• Carers often advocate for the patient’s needs, which may improve the safety and quality of care.
• Many patients feel less isolated when making decisions if they have someone to talk it through with.

“it's just incredibly powerful knowing that someone is by your side you're sitting opposite the Doctor and they're talking to you about what the treatments are going to involve. And you’ve just got this person sitting next to you holding your hand that support is just incredibly invaluable”. Quinn*, patient diagnosed with cancer.

Wider network of family and friends

• The wider family and friends are more likely to have their questions answered if a carer has attended the consultation.
• Family/friends often feel they can receive timely and accurate information from the carer, without burdening the patient.