A Holistic Insight into the Caregivers of Patients with Multiple Myeloma: Burden and Opportunities for Interventions...

Multiple myeloma (MM) is considered a chronic blood cancer; myeloma patients often experience fatigue and bone pain. They may also have limited mobility, making them dependent on caregivers for everyday tasks. Patients seemed to be less involved in managing their conditions, relying on unpaid caregivers for emotional and practical assistance, while frequently ignoring their own needs. Arksey and O'Malley's framework was used for this review. This scoping review discusses the burdens of caregivers of patients with MM. Search strategies were used in PubMed, Scopus, CINAHL, Embase and Web of Science from published research articles from August 2013 to August 2024. The data were exported, and the duplicates were excluded. Title, abstract and full-text screening were carried out. The data analysis was done qualitatively and quantitatively. The review results revealed that the caregivers, whether family members or professionals, are essential in helping patients to receive long-term care. Because the MM is chronic, caregivers frequently face high levels of stress and unfulfilled needs. Caregivers of patients with MM face a variety of burdens in terms of physical and financial strain, emotional stress and psychological distress, lack of preparedness, lack of social support and social isolation. The results of the review can be used to create supportive care interventions that address the needs of caregivers of patients with MM, who experience a significant burden.