Enhancing Communication Among Patients with Cancer, Caregivers, and Extended Family: Development of a Communication Module

Stephanie D. Torres-Marrero (), Carled Argüelles-Berrios, Ninoshka Rivera-Torres, Lianel Rosario-Ramos, Alondra De Lahongrais-Lamboy and Normarie Torres-Blasco ()
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Stephanie D. Torres-Marrero: School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences, Ponce Health Sciences University, Ponce 00716, Puerto Rico
Carled Argüelles-Berrios: School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences, Ponce Health Sciences University, Ponce 00716, Puerto Rico
Ninoshka Rivera-Torres: School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences, Ponce Health Sciences University, Ponce 00716, Puerto Rico
Lianel Rosario-Ramos: School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences, Ponce Health Sciences University, Ponce 00716, Puerto Rico
Alondra De Lahongrais-Lamboy: Ponce Research Institute, Ponce 00716, Puerto Rico
Normarie Torres-Blasco: School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences, Ponce Health Sciences University, Ponce 00716, Puerto Rico

IJERPH, 2025, vol. 22, issue 4, 1-16

Abstract: (1) Background: Coping with a cancer diagnosis can be a challenging process, in which patients and caregivers often require family support. For an adequate support network, there must be clear communication among patients, caregivers, and family members. However, the literature has not adequately discussed communication interventions with extended family members. Our research team identified the need to incorporate communication strategies among patients, caregivers, and extended family. For this reason, we aimed to develop a communication module for patients with cancer, caregivers, and extended family members. (2) Methods: We conducted two steps to address the study’s objective: (a) a narrative literature review to identify communication strategies or interventions and (b) a data triangulation with the narrative literature review findings, the primary study findings, and the cultural expert expertise. (3) Results: The module content included learning what to say and improving general communication. Within the content were communication strategies such as prompt lists, priority lists, methods of telling others, delegating, seeking support, and others. (4) Conclusions: Enhancing the communication among patients with cancer, caregivers, and extended family promotes adequate family support. Nevertheless, future studies should explore the acceptability and implementation strategies of protocols focused on communication.

Keywords: communication; cancer; patients; caregivers; extended family (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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