Give a short precise problem statement from the following sentences emphasing creatively what, who and why : Chronic diseases, with treatments extending over several years, exert a profound
psychological impact not only on patients but also on their families.[1] The period
following diagnosis brings to light not just the patient’s struggles but also the myriad
challenges faced by their immediate family members, known as caregivers. The
absence of centralized guidance and comprehensive support materials often forces
families to resort to fragmented media sources and anecdotal advice, resulting in a trialand-
error approach to management. This lack of consistent information creates
significant barriers, leading to social isolation and hindering both patients and their
families from adopting a holistic healing approach aimed at improving quality of life.
Statistical data underscores the urgency of addressing these issues. Globally, about
two in five cancer caregivers are diagnosed with depression, emphasizing the critical
need for routine screening of depressive symptoms and the provision of psychosocial
support.[2] The role of caregivers, often immediate family members, is fraught with
2 S. Tiwari
high levels of depression, anxiety, and overwhelming burdens. As primary caretakers,
they find their lives consumed by the disease. An Indian study highlights this strain:
70.22% of cancer caregivers experience mild-to-moderate burdens, while 21.38% face
moderate-to-severe burdens. The levels of burden are notably associated with gender
(male) and employment status (unemployment), although they do not significantly vary
by marital status, education, caregiver age, or relationship to the patient.[3]
The objective of this study is to gain a comprehensive understanding of the current
support systems, and the multifaceted challenges faced by those affected by cancer,
including both patients and caregivers. The research aims to identify the diverse
hardships caregivers encounter and explore the forms of support most needed for
optimizing holistic healing and relief.
The study revealed several key insights: patients and caregivers grapple with
misinformation, seeking reliable guidance throughout the cancer journey. Shared
experiences emerge as a primary source of support, often outweighing medical advice.
Support groups are sought for various reasons, including motivation, a sense of
belonging, hope, guidance, and distraction from their disease-dominated lives.
However, financial constraints and language barriers significantly hinder participation
in support groups, emphasizing the need for accessible and inclusive platforms.
These findings have led to the proposal of a design intervention that leverages
technology to create a network designed to connect individuals affected by cancer based
on their shared interests. This approach addresses the problem of social isolation by
fostering connections grounded in common preferences, enabling patients and
caregivers to rediscover aspects of their identities beyond cancer. Furthermore, the
implementation of this intervention leverages existing structures, such as healthcare
centers and NGOs, ensuring ease of access and integration into the current support
landscape.
In essence, this intervention transcends conventional support systems by creating
an empathetic and supportive community that not only aids in emotional recovery but
also fosters personal growth and relational strength, thereby significantly improving
the lived experiences of both patients and their caregivers.