Promoting Patient and Caregiver Engagement to Care in Cancer

The positive outcomes associated with Patient Engagement (PE) have been strongly supported by the recent literature. However, in the context of cancer, this construct has been marginally addressed. Limited attention has also received the role of informal caregivers in promoting physical and psychological well-being of patients, as well as the interdependence of dyads. The present work examines the literature about couple-based psychosocial interventions in psychosocial oncology and describes the Cancer Dyads Group Intervention (CDGI); an innovative protocol developed to promote engagement in management behaviors, maximize positive health outcomes, and the quality of the relationship between cancer patients and their informal caregivers. Finally, the article examines the ability of the CDGI to promote adaptive coping behaviors and the perceived level of closeness by comparing participants and individuals receiving usual care. Results indicate that individuals diagnosed with cancer attending the CDGI present significant increases in Fighting Spirit and Avoidance, while reporting also reduced levels of Fatalism and Anxious Preoccupation. Findings about Hopelessness are explained by comparing the scores of breast cancer patients and individuals diagnosed with rare tumors. The intervention also contributed to strengthening the relationship with the primary support person.