Oral Presentation 2025 National Cancer Survivorship Conference

Empowering Families: The role of nurse-led telehealth counselling in pancreatic cancer care at home (#1)

Vanessa L Beesley 1 2 3 , Jane Turner 4 , Patsy Yates 2 , David Wyld 2 4 5 , Melissa Eastgate 4 5 , Raymond Chan 6 , Louisa Collins 7 , Michelle Stewart 8 , Hanna Beebe 9 , Natalie Roset 9 , Maryrose Malt 9 , Caroline Kelly 8 , Rachel E Neale 4 10
  1. School of Psychology, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
  2. School of Nursing and Cancer and Palliative Care Outcomes Centre, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
  3. Psychedelic Medicine and Supportive Care Lab, QIMR Berghofer, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
  4. Faculty of Medicine, University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
  5. Cancer Care Services, Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital, Metro North Hospital and Health Services, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
  6. Caring Futures Institute, College of Nursing and Health Sciences, Flinders University, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
  7. Cancer Council Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
  8. PanKind, The Australian Pancreatic Cancer Foundation, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
  9. Psychedelic Medicine and Supportive Care Lab, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
  10. Cancer Aetiology & Prevention Group , QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, Australia

Background:
Pancreatic cancer has a median survival of six months. Family carers are thrust into roles requiring them to manage complex emotional and physical symptoms and administer medications at home. The aim of the Pancreatic cancer Relatives Counselling and Education Support Service (PRoCESS) randomised controlled trial is to evaluate the effects of a nation-wide nurse-led service on primary carers’ anxiety.

Methods:
The PRoCESS intervention was endorsed by PanKind, The Australian Pancreatic Cancer Foundation. Carers of patients with pancreatic cancer were randomised 1:1 to: (i) structured telephone counselling plus a comprehensive PanKind information package; or (ii) the information package alone. Underpinned by self-efficacy theory, the intervention involved nurses assessing carers’ concerns, developing care plans, and delivering structured psycho-education via video-conference or telephone. Participants in the intervention group were offered 10 one-hour sessions over four months, with optional monthly sessions thereafter. Participating carers and patients completed questionnaires and consented to data linkage. Data collection has recently been completed. We have completed qualitative analyses of initial stressors and participant feedback. 

Results:
A total of 181 carers were enrolled in the trial; 96 were allocated to the intervention and 82 completed the intervention. The majority of carers were female (74%), caring for patients with non-resectable disease (81%), and 37% resided outside capital cities. 736 core and 511 optional counselling sessions were delivered. The most significant stressors initially expressed by intervention participants centred around: (1) coping with uncertainty; (2) carers’ own health; (3) patient concerns; and (4) family concerns. At the end of the intervention, participants reported valuing the continuous support over time and the opportunity to share their concerns and experiences with an impartial listener who has the expertise to provide practical and emotional support.

Conclusions and Significance:
Preliminary findings suggest that the service is a valuable resource for carers and was accessed by people right across Australia.