Table 2.

Summary of the roles caregivers can adopt in supporting patients

Role	Description	Benefit of caregiver involvement
Informational	Learning about the disease, its progression, prognosis, and treatment options	Allows caregiver to clarify and reinforce information to the patient Assists with reducing uncertainty and increasing confidence in decision making40
Providing direct care	Providing assistance with medications, symptom management, and activities of daily living
Encouraging adherence	Supporting and encouraging patients to adhere to treatment regimens or self-management programs	Caregiver support has been shown to increase treatment adherence and self-care behaviors41,42 May enhance patient skills and confidence to engage in self-care
Acting as an advocate	Assisting to coordinate care across providers and settings Liaising with organizations and health care providers to secure patient entitlements, services, and care	Can enhance communication with the health care team An increased understanding of and control over their treatment options, and higher quality of life43,44
Providing emotional or psychosocial support	Providing empathy and validation of the patient experience, encouraging patient self-efficacy, coordinating family responsibilities, or taking on new family roles	Can reduce patient distress45 Can lead to improved communication between the patient and caregiver46