The role of care partners in helping their loved ones adhere to their treatment plan

- Hi, I'm Becca, a nurse at MD Anderson Cancer Center, specializing in multiple myeloma and a member of the IMF Nurse Leadership Board. Today I'd like to talk about the crucial role care partners play in helping their loved ones adhere to their treatment plan.

Care partners, also known as caregivers, are essential allies in the journey of living well with myeloma. Whether it's one dedicated person or a network of supportive individuals, research shows that patients with strong care partner support tend to have improved longevity and mental health compared to those without. Every care partnership is unique, but common ways care partners assist include, attending medical appointments, managing medications, preparing meals, providing transportation, offering emotional support, and learning about the disease and treatment alongside the patient.

Today I wanna focus specifically on the care partner's role in adherence. Adherence means taking medications exactly as prescribed by the healthcare team, unfortunately, we know that only about half of people with chronic illnesses are fully adherent to their treatment plans. For those with multiple myeloma, adherence is especially critical, this evolving disease often requires continuous treatment to maintain control and prevent relapses.

These relapses can become increasingly difficult to manage over time, which is why we want to make the most out of each prescribed treatment, thus, one of the most vital contributions a care partner can make is supporting the patient in following their treatment regimen and in communicating any concerns to the healthcare team, this is where the care partner support is invaluable. Here are a few key ways care partners can support adherence.

One, foster honest communication. Honest communication forms the foundation of the bond between a patient and their care partner and also between the patient and their healthcare team. Encourage your loved one to openly share their concerns, for example, if they are burdened by too many visits or is experiencing side effects, make sure that the healthcare team is informed. Providers can't address issues unless they know what's going on.

Two, organize appointments and medications. You can assist the patient in creating a monthly calendar that includes lab appointments, office visits, and schedules for oral medications. Encourage them to note down any questions or side effects as they arise. Effective management of side effects can help patients stay on therapy longer, potentially leading to longer progression-free survival and a better quality of life.

Three, recognize that the patient may need additional support during times of decision-making and education. Learn alongside the patient and be there during discussions about treatment changes and decisions. Additional support during these times can be incredibly helpful.

Finally, whether you prefer the term, "Care partner," or, "Caregiver," we know that this role can be very stressful. It is essential to take care of yourself both mentally and physically. This enables you to provide the best care for your loved one. Thank you for all you do, your support makes a significant difference in the lives of those battling multiple myeloma.

If you have any questions or any further guidance, don't hesitate to reach out to your healthcare team. You can also reach out to the IMFs Info Line Team at 1-800-452-CURE.