Table 2.

Module content.

Module and goal			Content
Family involvement
	Promoting open communication	•Discuss benefits of open communication versus concealment •Emphasize the importance of communication •Encourage open discussion of concerns •Use “I” statements to express feelings, use humor •Encourage sharing perspectives on any issues, concerns, or feelings •Address issues or concerns and reassure feelings
	Encouraging mutual support and teamwork	•Discuss that cancer can affect both patient and family, making mutual support essential •Recognize the contributions of both members of the dyads and encourage the expression of appreciation
	Identifying family strengths	•Help patients and family members identify individual and family strengths •Keep up positive outlook and face challenges together
	Introducing family to information and resources	•Identify resources for the family to manage the recurrent illness •Give names and contact numbers of support groups for patients with colorectal cancer and their family
Symptom management
	Assessing symptoms	•Assess symptoms experienced by patients and their caregivers •Talk about the most severe, frequent, or distressed symptoms •Discuss effects of treatment on family relationships and the importance of caregiver’s health
	Teaching self-care strategies	•Review patients’ and their caregivers’ symptom management and learn symptom management strategies •Provide information, guidelines, resources, and support services
	Establishing realistic and short-term goals	•Set up easy goals to achieve for symptom management •Document and monitor symptoms, write symptom diary
Coping effectiveness
	Dealing with overwhelming stress	•Encourage day-to-day efforts to cope •Allow opportunities to discuss death and dying issues or concerns
	Encouraging healthy coping and lifestyle behaviors	•Discuss benefits of active versus passive coping strategies •Educate about the importance of healthy lifestyle behaviors for patients and family members: eating and exercise, sleep and rest patterns, use of chemical substances, and support networks
	Helping caregivers manage the demands of illness	•Encourage caregivers to accept offers of help from others •Help caregivers identify activities to restore their mental and physical energy (eg, hobbies and recreational activities)