MethodA randomised controlled trial

Method
A randomised controlled trial design was used.
Family carers were randomised to receive either a
nurse-led, telephone, psycho-education programme
or usual care. All carers were assessed for depression,
anxiety, stress, burden of care, and quality of life
using three instruments at baseline (pre-intervention),
two weeks, four weeks and eight weeks after
intervention. A stratified, by presence of stoma,
random sample of 140 participants was recruited at
the colorectal cancer clinic of Queen Mary Hospital
in Hong Kong. Inclusion criteria were that carers had
been caring for a family member diagnosed with
colorectal cancer in the preceding four weeks, were
at least 18 years old and spoke Cantonese. Domestic
helpers, those who were cognitively impaired and
those who did not speak Cantonese were excluded.