Table 2.

Future research areas.

Need to identify the individual and dyadic characteristics that either protect or increase the risk for poor survivor and caregiver outcomes Studies need to include minorities: race, ethnicity, and religion Studies need to include individuals with low socioeconomic status Need dyadic studies of relationships other than husband/wife Dyadic studies should examine various stages of the cancer trajectory, not just after diagnosis A standard of efficacy for dyadic interventions needs to be established Analysis of individual v dyadic interventions on survivor and caregiver outcomes are needed The most beneficial way to instruct people to communicate needs to be studied based on varying dyad relationships and communication styles Studies are needed to determine why dyadic interventions are seldom implemented in clinical practice settings and what can be done to overcome the barriers Trials are needed that test for flexibility in the delivery of dyadic interventions; Internet, mobile health, and social media to allow for efficient delivery and widespread dissemination

Studies are needed to evaluate the cost of different modes of administration (ie, in person, over the phone, Internet)