Internet-based Support for Informal Caregivers of Patients With Head and Neck Cancer - Carer eSupport

The Effects of Internet-based Support (Carer eSupport) on Preparedness for Caregiving in Informal Caregivers of Patients With Head and Neck Cancer Compared to Standard Care Support - a Study Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial

The aim of this randomized controlled trial is to investigate the effects of internet-based support (Carer eSupport) on preparedness for caregiving in informal caregivers of patients with head and neck cancer. The main question[s] it aims to answer are:

• What are the effects of internet-based support on informal caregivers preparedness for caregiving?
• What are the effects of internet-based support on informal caregivers burden and wellbeing?

Informal caregivers who are randomized to Carer eSupport will have access to Carer eSupport for 18 weeks and they will be asked to complete questionnaires (outcome measures) at:

• baseline (before randomization)
• 18 weeks (post-intervention) and at
• 3 months after the intervention is completed (long term follow-up).

Informal caregivers in the intervention group will be compared to informal caregivers who receive standard care support regarding preparedness for caregiving, caregiver burden and wellbeing.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Informal caregivers who have been identified as an informal caregiver by a patient who have consented to that the informal caregivers is approached.
• Informal caregivers of patients with head and neck cancer who are about to start radiotherapy or have undergone at most five radiotherapy treatment session. Radiotherapy may be combined with surgery and/or medical oncological treatment.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Informal caregivers who do not understand and read Swedish or suffer from cognitive impairment, and informal caregivers with who need support or treatment that cannot be provided by Carer eSupport.