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Digital Support for Cancer Caregivers in Latin America: Identifying Needs and Co-Designing a Culturally Adapted
Sonia Carreño-Moreno1, Lorena Chaparro-Diaz1, Carolyn Taylor2
1Facultad de Enfermería, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Bogota, Colombia.
Objective:
Cancer caregivers in low- and middle-income countries face substantial psychosocial and practical burdens. In Latin America, caregivers provide essential support under resource constrained conditions. This study aimed to co-design a transferable digital resource for Spanish-speaking caregivers that reflects their support and information needs.
Methods:
A three-phase co-design study engaged caregivers, healthcare professionals, academics, and policymakers across Latin America including Colombia, Argentina, Mexico and Peru. Phase 1 involved a hybrid workshop with oncology professionals to identify and prioritise caregiver needs. Phase 2 included verification workshops with professionals and an online caregiver survey to refine content and delivery. Phase 3 used think-aloud workshops to evaluate and finalise the prototype.
Results:
A total of 342 stakeholders contributed. Participants highlighted the need for accessible, structured support that addressed evolving caregiving needs. While information, practical support, and healthcare navigation were prioritised, participants also emphasised the importance of peer connection and maintaining opportunities for face-to-face engagement, positioning digital resources as a complement rather than a replacement for human support. Stakeholders highlighted the need for inclusive and accessible design, including simplified language, engaging multimedia content, caregiver narratives, and representation of diverse caregiving experiences. The resulting six-module prototype addressed the caregiver role, practical care and symptom support, navigating health and social care systems, palliative and end-of-life care, caregiver well-being, and locally adaptable supportive resources.
Conclusions:
This co-designed resource provides a foundation for developing culturally responsive caregiver support across Latin America. By combining digital delivery with opportunities for social connection, inclusive design, and local adaptation, the resource addresses key needs while supporting future implementation within existing care systems.
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