Supporting Our Carers Study - Phase 2 and 3

This project will develop a tool that identifies the unmet needs of caregivers of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander (hereafter referred to as Indigenous) cancer survivors. This aim will be achieved via a mixed-methods design across three study phases. Phase 1 is completed (HREC/2018/QMS/48198), with ethics approved for Phase 2 and 3 (HREC/2020/QMS/65533). Phase 3 only will be conducted at the Bundaberg Hospital. The main aim of Phase 3 of the Supporting Our Carers Study is to psychometrically test a survey assessing the supportive needs of caregivers of Indigenous cancer survivors. This will be a cross-sectional quantitative study, where carers will complete a survey assessing their needs as caregivers of Indigenous cancer survivors and level of caregiver burden. A secondary aim of Phase 3 is to assess the supportive care needs of Indigenous cancer patients and examine the association between these needs and the reported needs of their carers. Indigenous cancer patients will complete a survey assessing their needs and perceived burden to their caregivers. In Phase 3, the relevant surveys will be administered to caregivers of Indigenous cancer survivors and the survivors themselves from six Queensland cancer centres - one of which is the Bundaberg Hospital. A University of Queensland staff member will provide caregivers and patients with their respective survey and the participant will complete the survey with the University of Queensland staff member's assistance. The main outcome of this study is the development of a validated, culturally-appropriate tool to better assess the needs of caregivers of Indigenous cancer survivors.