Objective 1: Understand the Psychological Distress Levels
- Perform a thorough review of existing literature in order to gain a better understanding of the psychological and emotional obstacles that cancer patients and their caregivers must overcome.
- Develop a uniform evaluation instrument that can be used to gauge the level of psychological distress experienced by both patients and caregivers.
- Use the assessment tool to evaluate a diverse group of cancer patients and their caregivers, assessing their levels of psychological distress at different stages of the cancer journey.
Objective 2: Identify Coping Mechanisms and Support Systems
- Explore the coping mechanisms employed by cancer patients and caregivers to manage psychological distress.
- Investigate the role of social support networks (family, friends, support groups) in mitigating emotional and psychological challenges.
- Analyze the effectiveness of various coping strategies and support systems in improving the mental well-being of patients and caregivers.
Objective 3: Examine the Impact of Cancer Type and Stage
- Investigate whether the type and stage of cancer diagnosis has differential psychological and emotional effects on patients and caregivers.
- Contrast and compare the experiences of individuals dealing with varying types and stages of cancer.
- Determine common trends and distinct difficulties associated with specific cancer diagnoses.
Objective 4: Assess the Long-term Effects and Survivorship
- Follow up with a subset of cancer patients and caregivers to assess the long-term psychological and emotional effects of cancer, including post-treatment survivorship.
- Explore how the experiences and mental health of patients and caregivers evolve over time.
- Identify factors that contribute to resilience and adaptation in the face of cancer survivorship challenges.
Objective 5: Develop Recommendations for Supportive Interventions
- Based on the research findings, develop evidence-based recommendations for healthcare professionals, caregivers, and support organizations to better address the psychological and emotional needs of cancer patients and caregivers.
- Propose strategies for integrating psychological and emotional support into cancer care plans.
- Highlight areas where additional research and support resources are needed.
Objective 6: Raise Awareness and Promote Advocacy
- Share research results through academic publications, conferences, and public presentations.
- Work together with cancer advocacy groups and organizations to raise awareness about the psychological and emotional aspects of cancer.
- Promote policy adjustments that increase access to mental health services and support for cancer patients and caregivers.
Objective 7: Ensure Ethical Considerations
- Comply with all ethical guidelines and obtain necessary ethical approvals for the research.
- Safeguard the privacy and confidentiality of participants throughout the study.
- Obtain informed consent from all participants, clearly explaining the purpose and potential risks of the study.
