Study protocol for a feasibility trial of Cancer Carer Medicines Management (CCMM): an educational intervention for carer management of pain medication in cancer patients at end of life

Background: Many people with cancer experience pain at the end of life. Family carers play a significant role in managing pain medication: a practical and nursing skill that is both central and critical to patient and carer. There is significant evidence this is problematic for carers and patients. Family carers often lack information and confidence, with some believing pain cannot be controlled and are concerned about medication becoming addictive. Carers’ roles in cancer pain management have been neglected, and a carer-focused, tailored intervention has the potential to improve care in this area. Methods/design: A feasibility study is being conducted (2013-2015) to test the feasibility, acceptability and efficacy of a newly developed intervention (Cancer Carers Medicines Management: CCMM) to improve carers’ knowledge, beliefs, skills and self-efficacy for pain medicines management, and to decrease carer strain. The feasibility trial involves recruiting nurses and carers in two sites, to inform a follow-on randomised control trial focusing on effectiveness. This paper presents the feasibility study protocol. Discussion: The feasibility trial aims to evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of the study methods and intervention, and to provide preliminary data concerning the intervention’s impact. This will include the intervention’s impact on carer outcomes using validated questionnaires measuring carer pain medication knowledge, beliefs and skills; self-efficacy and carer strain. Secondary outcomes from validated questionnaires and interviews will include perceptions of patient pain, burden of the intervention, and factors inhibiting or facilitating intervention use.