Integrating Family Caregivers into Palliative Oncology Care Using the Self- and Family Management Approach.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the integration of family caregivers into palliative oncology care using the Self- and Family Management Framework.

DATA SOURCES: Peer-reviewed journal articles.

CONCLUSION: The role of family caregivers in palliative oncology includes focusing on illness needs, activating resources, and living with cancer. Several factors may serve as facilitators of or barriers to these activities. A growing number of interventions support family caregivers' involvement in palliative oncology care.

IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE: Nurses should identify who the family caregiver is, confirm ability and willingness, discuss patients' and family caregivers' goals for cancer care, activate resources, and promote ongoing communication to support changing needs.