PRIMARY OBJECTIVES: I. Test the effects of the Family Caregiver Palliative Care Intervention (FCPCI) on family caregivers of patients with gastrointestinal, gynecologic, urologic and lung cancers in the experimental group on caregiver burden and caregiving skills preparedness as compared to family caregivers in the control group.
II. Test the effects of the FCPCI on family caregivers of patients with gastrointestinal, gynecologic, urologic and lung cancers in the experimental group on quality of life (QOL) and psychological distress as compared to family caregivers in the control group.
SECONDARY OBJECTIVES: I. Describe family caregivers' self-care behavior, comparing the experimental and control groups.
II. Describe family caregivers' resource use, comparing the experimental and control groups.
III. Identify subgroups of family caregivers who benefit most from the FCPCI in relation to sociodemographic, health status, and patient characteristics.
IV. Describe family caregivers' satisfaction with the FCPCI.
V. Describe caregiver out-of-pocket costs and the cost of the intervention.
OUTLINE: Participants are randomized to 1 of 2 arms.
ARM I: Participants receive FCPCI with an advanced practice nurse (APN), comprising 4 home education sessions once weekly followed by 4 telephone support sessions for 30 minutes once monthly and 24 hour telephone support available for 6 months.
ARM II: Participants receive usual care
