Caregiver Burden in Bladder Cancer Patients with Urinary Diversion Post-Radical Cystectomy and the Need for Comprehensive Nursing Education: A Narrative Literature

Tian Zhang,1 Xiangxiu Qi2 1The First Internal Medicine Comprehensive Ward, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, People’s Republic of China; 2Department of Nursing, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, People’s Republic of ChinaCorrespondence: Xiangxiu Qi, Email 492215122@qq.comBackground: Bladder cancer ranks seventh in global cancer prevalence. Radical cystectomy and urinary diversion are standard for muscle-invasive bladder cancer. Family caregivers shoulder a substantial care burden, affecting their own quality of life, with repercussions extending to patients’ health-related quality of life (HRQOL).Objective: This narrative review aims to highlight the major concerns perceived by the caregivers and efficacy of nurse-led interventions in alleviating their concerns and improving HRQOL.Methods: A systematic search of the PubMed, CINAHL, and Science Direct databases was carried out to identify studies published in the last 5 years (from Jan 2018 to Aug 2023) that have evaluated the concerns and problems of caregivers attending bladder cancer patients with urinary diversion. Additionally, studies evaluating the efficacy of nurse-led interventions in alleviating these concerns were also searched.Results: Overall, 6 studies involving 933 BC patients with UD and 1042 caregivers were identified as suitable for inclusion in this narrative literature review. Major concerns identified included psychological well-being, medical assistance needs, and peer support. Significant psychological impact was evident in the caregivers which operated in a dyadic manner. Nurse-led stoma education programs have demonstrated potential in enhancing caregivers’ quality of life, although they remain restricted.Conclusion: Emphasizing caregivers’ role and program effectiveness is critical. Our review addresses these gaps, focusing on caregivers’ concerns and the impact of nursing education for improved patient outcomes.Implications for Practice: Holistic and collaborative approach ...