Supportive Care

Exploring Experiences of Bereaved Caregivers of Older Adult Patients With Acute Myeloid Leukemia

Elissa Poor

Ya-Ning Chan

Katie Iadonisi

Kelly Tan

Ashley Leak Bryant
acute myeloid leukemia, palliative care, bereavement, caregivers, end of life
CJON 2022, 26(2), 135-139. DOI: 10.1188/22.CJON.135-139

Caregivers of older adults with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) are requiring more support now that novel, nonintensive therapies, such as hypomethylating agents and venetoclax, are shifting the burden of care to the outpatient setting. Early findings from a larger study describe supportive care needs from the perspective of bereaved caregivers that align with existing research, informing the development of best practices for oncology nurses who support caregivers of older adults with AML.

AT A GLANCE

  • Caregivers of older adults with AML experience significant distress, unique challenges, and heavy care burden compounded by lower utilization of palliative care services.
  • Oncology nurses play a pivotal role in addressing caregivers’ individualized needs for information and coping during treatment for AML. 
  • Oncology nurses are well positioned to provide continuous support to caregivers during survivorship that promotes meaning, condolence, and closure in bereavement.
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