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Zhang X, Xu T, Qin Y, Wang M, Li Z, Song J, Tang Q, Wang Z, Xu L, Wu L, Yue P. Exploring the needs and coping strategies of family caregivers taking care of dying patients at home: a field study. BMC Palliat Care 2023; 22:196. [PMID: 38087244 PMCID: PMC10714660 DOI: 10.1186/s12904-023-01315-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2023] [Accepted: 11/28/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Most Chinese patients chose to die at home, therefore there is a reliance on the family caregivers to be involved in their palliative care. The needs and coping strategies of family caregivers in home-based palliative care are rooted in culture. Little is known about the needs and coping strategies of family caregivers taking care of dying patients at home. METHODS A field study using semi-structured interview, participant observation, documents and records collection was employed. The study was conducted in two palliative care outpatient departments in tertiary hospitals and four communities in Beijing, China from March 2021 to July 2022. Using purposive sampling, twenty-five family caregivers were recruited. All collected data were analyzed using content analysis approach. RESULTS Five themes emerged, including three care needs and two coping strategies. Family caregivers need to learn care skills and acquire care resources, including (i) decision-making about home-based palliative care, (ii) improving patient's quality of life, and (iii) signs of final hours and funeral procedures. In facing the care burden, family caregivers coped by (iv) balancing the roles of caregivers and individuals: giving priority to patient care while maintaining their own normal life. In facing the death of a loved one, family caregivers responded by (v) making room for coming death by facing death indirectly and "rescuing" patients for consolation while preparing for the coming death. CONCLUSION Family caregivers strive to balance the roles of being caregivers and being themselves. As caregivers, they actively prepare patients for good death with no regrets. As individuals, they preserve themselves from being hurt to maintain normal life. The needs of family caregivers focus on caregiver role and are manifested in care skills and resources. TRIAL REGISTRATION Not registered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaotian Zhang
- School of Nursing, Capital Medical University, 10 Xitoutiao, Youanmen, Fengtai District, Beijing, 100069, China
| | - Tianmeng Xu
- Wenzhou Medical University, University Town, Chashan, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325035, China
| | - Yuan Qin
- Hospice & Palliative Care Department Ward of Beijing Haidian Hospital, Beijing, 100080, China
| | - Minghui Wang
- Puhuangyu community health center, Fengtai District, Beijing, 100079, China
| | - Zhaoyu Li
- School of Nursing, Capital Medical University, 10 Xitoutiao, Youanmen, Fengtai District, Beijing, 100069, China
| | - Jingyu Song
- School of Nursing, Capital Medical University, 10 Xitoutiao, Youanmen, Fengtai District, Beijing, 100069, China
| | - Qianqian Tang
- School of Nursing, Capital Medical University, 10 Xitoutiao, Youanmen, Fengtai District, Beijing, 100069, China
| | - Zidan Wang
- School of Nursing, Capital Medical University, 10 Xitoutiao, Youanmen, Fengtai District, Beijing, 100069, China
| | - Lijie Xu
- School of Nursing, Capital Medical University, 10 Xitoutiao, Youanmen, Fengtai District, Beijing, 100069, China
| | - Lingling Wu
- Puhuangyu community health center, Fengtai District, Beijing, 100079, China
| | - Peng Yue
- School of Nursing, Capital Medical University, 10 Xitoutiao, Youanmen, Fengtai District, Beijing, 100069, China.
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Yao N, Chen H, Lai X. Hospice preference of the family decision-makers for cancer patients in China: an exploratory study. Palliat Care 2022; 21:222. [PMID: 36517835 PMCID: PMC9753404 DOI: 10.1186/s12904-022-01112-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2022] [Accepted: 11/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The reasons for hospice underuse in China need exploration from the perspective of patients with cancer and their families. Furthermore, existing literature about hospice decision-making among Chinese families with cancer patients is limited. This study aimed to investigate the awareness of hospice care among families with cancer patients, their preference for healthcare at the end-of-life stage of care, and the predictors of hospice preference. METHODS This was an exploratory study conducted between July 2021 and January 2022. Overall, 300 decision-makers of cancer patients were recruited from the oncology ward of seven hospitals in Shanghai, China. Of these, 285 valid responses were included in the data analysis. A self-developed questionnaire about their preference for healthcare when the patient was at the end-of-life stage was completed. Descriptive analysis, t-test, chi-square test, and multivariable logistic regression were conducted to analyze the data. RESULTS Only 46.0% of the participants have heard of hospice care. Most participants (78.2%) reported no introduction to hospice care from their doctors. More than half of the participants (58.2%) did not have a preference for healthcare at the end-of-life stage. Seventy-eight (65.5%) of the 119 participants who had a preference chose hospice care, and the other 41 participants (34.5%) refused hospice care. Having heard of hospice care had a significant impact on preferring healthcare at the end-of-life stage (adjusted OR = 14.346, 95%CI 7.219-28.509, p < 0.001). Not being sure whether the doctor introduced hospice care before had a significant impact on having no preference for healthcare at the end-of-life stage (adjusted OR = 0.180, 95%CI 0.052-0.617, p = 0.006). Another family member being cared for at home had a significant impact on the participants' hospice preference (adjusted OR = 2.739, 95%CI 1.159-6.470, p = 0.022). CONCLUSION The end-of-life communication between healthcare providers and the families of cancer patients is insufficient. More efforts should be made in increasing the awareness of hospice care among patients with cancer and their families. Further study is needed to explore the reasons for a lack of discussion on hospice options between healthcare providers and the patients' families. Additionally, the impact of the at-home care burden on the hospice choice of families with cancer patients requires further study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nian Yao
- grid.8547.e0000 0001 0125 2443School of Nursing, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Hao Chen
- grid.8547.e0000 0001 0125 2443School of Nursing, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaobin Lai
- grid.8547.e0000 0001 0125 2443School of Nursing, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
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