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Ekdahl A, Söderberg S, Holmström Rising M. The Experiences of Close Relatives to Women with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Stages III or IV: A Qualitative Study. NURSING REPORTS 2023; 13:982-989. [PMID: 37489408 PMCID: PMC10366874 DOI: 10.3390/nursrep13030086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2023] [Revised: 07/06/2023] [Accepted: 07/13/2023] [Indexed: 07/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease stage III or IV is a progressive and incurable disease. The hallmark of the disease is breathlessness, and it is graded into four different stages, from mild to severe. Living with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease impacts almost every aspect of everyday life for an affected person. As the illness progresses to stages III and IV, the need for support from close relatives increases. The aim of this study was to explore and describe the experiences of close relatives of women with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease stage III or IV and it used qualitative content analysis of individual, semi-structured interviews. Close relatives (n = 9) were interviewed about their experience of being close to a woman with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease stage III or IV. They experienced stress and uncertainty in an unpredictable everyday life. Close relatives supported the women both practically and emotionally and they called for tailored information about the illness, considering it as an essential tool for support. The results highlighted that healthy close relatives had difficulty in understanding the experience of living with chronic obstructive pulmonary, as they take the simple fact of breathing for granted most of the time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ann Ekdahl
- Department of Health Sciences, Mid Sweden University, SE-852 33 Sundsvall, Sweden
| | - Siv Söderberg
- Department of Health Sciences, Mid Sweden University, SE-852 33 Sundsvall, Sweden
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Warrier MG, Thomas PT, Sadasivan A, Nashi S, Vengalil S, Nalini A. Development of Guidelines for Spouses Engaged in Home-Based Care of Persons With Motor Neuron Disease From Indian Context. J Patient Exp 2022; 9:23743735221077535. [PMID: 35128043 PMCID: PMC8814983 DOI: 10.1177/23743735221077535] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: The caregivers of persons with motor neuron disease (MND) have several needs that are usually not voiced on any platform. Aim: To explore the lived experience of spouses of persons with MND, identify their needs and develop guidelines for better home-based care. Method: An exploratory study with 3-point in-depth interviews among 13 participants was conducted. Participants were the spouses of persons with MND under treatment at a national quaternary referral center. The interpretative phenomenological analysis identified participants’ needs. These needs, with literature review synthesis, guided the drafting of guidelines, which was validated by experts. Results: The needs were emotional, social, care systems, and skills. The guidelines developed contained 2 sections (1) Information for the spouses: understanding MND, communication, symptom management, marital relationship, palliative care, and everyday life made easier. (2) Well-being of the spouse caregivers: well-being of the spouse caregivers, self-care, mental health, supporting carers in palliative care, where to find help.Conclusion: The guidelines can be developed as a manual for the caregivers and for training healthcare professionals working with neurodegenerative conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - A Nalini
- Department of Neurology, NIMHANS, Bangalore, India
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Micklewright K, Farquhar M. Does the carer support needs assessment tool cover the established support needs of carers of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease? A systematic literature search and narrative review. Palliat Med 2020; 34:1305-1315. [PMID: 32669040 PMCID: PMC7543023 DOI: 10.1177/0269216320939243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Informal carers play a key supportive role for patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. However, caring can have a considerable impact on health and wellbeing. Carers may have unidentified support needs that could be a target for intervention. Literature on the support needs of informal carers has not been fully synthesised, and our knowledge of the comprehensiveness of the Carer Support Needs Assessment Tool for these individuals is limited. AIM To explore whether the Carer Support Needs Assessment Tool covers the support needs of carers of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease identified in published literature. DESIGN English language studies were identified against predetermined inclusion/exclusion criteria through database searching. Further studies were identified through searching reference lists and citations of included papers. Papers were critically appraised and data extracted and synthesised by two reviewers. Identified needs were mapped to Carer Support Needs Assessment Tool questions. DATA SOURCES MEDLINE, CINAHL, EMBASE, CDSR, ASSIA, PsycINFO and Scopus databases (Jan 1997-Dec 2017). RESULTS Twenty-four studies were included. Results suggest that carers have support needs in a range of domains including physical, social, psychological and spiritual. Many of these needs are unmet. Particular areas of concern relate to prolonged social isolation, accessing services, emotional support and information needs. Findings also suggest amendment of the Carer Support Needs Assessment Tool may be required relating to difficulties within relationship management. CONCLUSION Evidence suggests that carers of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease would benefit from identification and response to their support needs by healthcare professionals but to enable this, the Carer Support Needs Assessment Tool requires an additional question. Future planned work will explore this with carers of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Morag Farquhar
- School of Health Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich, UK
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Siltanen H, Jylhä V, Holopainen A, Paavilainen E. Family members' experiences and expectations of self-management counseling while caring for a person with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: a systematic review of qualitative evidence. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2020; 17:2214-2247. [PMID: 31567526 DOI: 10.11124/jbisrir-d-19-00056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The objective of this review was to identify and synthesize existing evidence on the experiences and expectations of self-management counseling of adult family members who are informal caregivers of a person with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in the context of inpatient or outpatient care. INTRODUCTION Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is the fourth leading cause of mortality and morbidity worldwide. It is a progressive, lifelong and unpredictable disease. As the disease progresses, both the people with COPD and their family members require information and practical skills to manage the disease. The role of family members is particularly important at the advanced stage of COPD. This systematic review examined family members' experiences and expectations of self-management counseling. INCLUSION CRITERIA This review considered qualitative studies that investigated adult (older than18 years) family members' experiences or expectations of COPD self-management counseling in the context of inpatient or outpatient care. "Family member" refers to a person who is an informal caregiver because of his or her relationship to the person with COPD. METHODS A three-step search strategy was utilized in this review. The search strategy aimed to find published and unpublished studies in English and Finnish. The databases MEDLINE, CINAHL, PsycINFO, Scopus and the Finnish medical bibliographic database, Medic, were searched. The search was conducted in December 2015 and updated in September 2018. Titles and abstracts were screened by two independent reviewers for the review's inclusion criteria. Eligible studies were then critically appraised by two independent reviewers for methodological quality. The findings and illustrations of the findings were extracted and assigned a level of credibility. The qualitative research findings were pooled using the JBI method of meta-aggregation. RESULTS Ten papers were selected for inclusion in this review. These studies were published from 2002 to 2017. The quality of all included studies was at least moderate. Each study had a total score between 7 and 10 on the JBI Critical Appraisal Checklist for Qualitative Research. The following four synthesized findings were aggregated from nine categories and 39 study findings: i) Family members' experiences with unresponsive behavior from health professionals, ii) Family members' experiences of unmet needs in self-management counseling, iii) Family members' information needs concerning COPD management, and iv) Family members' information needs concerning coping strategies. CONCLUSIONS The synthesized findings indicate that family members are frustrated by the shortcomings of self-management counseling. They also feel unprepared for and uncertain about their caring role. They need more information about COPD and coping strategies for COPD. Counseling is essential to high-quality care and should be offered to family members caring for a loved one at any stage of COPD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannele Siltanen
- Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Social Sciences, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland.,Nursing Research Foundation, Helsinki, Finland.,Finnish Centre for Evidence-Based Health Care: a Joanna Briggs Institute Affiliated Group
| | - Virpi Jylhä
- Finnish Centre for Evidence-Based Health Care: a Joanna Briggs Institute Affiliated Group.,Department of Health and Social Management, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Arja Holopainen
- Nursing Research Foundation, Helsinki, Finland.,Finnish Centre for Evidence-Based Health Care: a Joanna Briggs Institute Affiliated Group
| | - Eija Paavilainen
- Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Social Sciences, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland.,Etelä-Pohjanmaa Hospital District, Seinäjoki, Finland
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Aasbø G, Kristvik E, Nyheim Solbrække K, Werner A. Searching for "transformative moments": A qualitative study of nurses' work during home visits to COPD patients and their caregivers in Norway. Nurs Open 2019; 6:293-300. [PMID: 30918681 PMCID: PMC6419110 DOI: 10.1002/nop2.209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2017] [Revised: 08/15/2018] [Accepted: 09/05/2018] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
AIM The integration of families into healthcare services is being emphasized increasingly in healthcare polices. The aim of this study was to investigate how professionals during home visits support both patients and caregivers in accepting and accommodating to illness. DESIGN An explorative qualitative design. METHODS Participant observations from home visits (N = 20) of pulmonary ambulatory nurses to COPD patients in Norway, followed by interviews with these nurses. RESULTS Our findings demonstrate the delicate nature of nurses' work during home visits to COPD patients and their caregivers. They support both patients and caregivers in reconciling themselves with the negative consequences of illness, as well as giving legitimation to and potential room for, sustainable arrangements within the scope of the relationship. The nurses address significant issues, having transformative potential concerning attitudes and practices related to the management of illness and adjusting to a complex illness trajectory.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gunvor Aasbø
- Health Services Research UnitAkershus University HospitalLørenskogNorway
- Institute of Health and SocietyUniversity of OsloOsloNorway
| | - Ellen Kristvik
- Health Services Research UnitAkershus University HospitalLørenskogNorway
| | | | - Anne Werner
- Health Services Research UnitAkershus University HospitalLørenskogNorway
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Lippiett KA, Richardson A, Myall M, Cummings A, May CR. Patients and informal caregivers' experiences of burden of treatment in lung cancer and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD): a systematic review and synthesis of qualitative research. BMJ Open 2019; 9:e020515. [PMID: 30813114 PMCID: PMC6377510 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2017-020515] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To identify, characterise and explain common and specific features of the experience of treatment burden in relation to patients living with lung cancer or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and their informal caregivers. DESIGN Systematic review and interpretative synthesis of primary qualitative studies. Papers were analysed using constant comparison and directed qualitative content analysis. DATA SOURCES CINAHL, EMBASE, MEDLINE, PsychINFO, Scopus and Web of Science searched from January 2006 to December 2015. ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA FOR SELECTING STUDIES Primary qualitative studies in English where participants were patients with lung cancer or COPD and/or their informal caregivers, aged >18 years that contain descriptions of experiences of interacting with health or social care in Europe, North America and Australia. RESULTS We identified 127 articles with 1769 patients and 491 informal caregivers. Patients, informal caregivers and healthcare professionals (HCPs) acknowledged lung cancer's existential threat. Managing treatment workload was a priority in this condition, characterised by a short illness trajectory. Treatment workload was generally well supported by an immediacy of access to healthcare systems and a clear treatment pathway. Conversely, patients, informal caregivers and HCPs typically did not recognise or understand COPD. Treatment workload was balanced with the demands of everyday life throughout a characteristically long illness trajectory. Consequently, treatment workload was complicated by difficulties of access to, and navigation of, healthcare systems, and a fragmented treatment pathway. In both conditions, patients' capacity to manage workload was enhanced by the support of family and friends, peers and HCPs and diminished by illness/smoking-related stigma and social isolation. CONCLUSION This interpretative synthesis has affirmed significant differences in treatment workload between lung cancer and COPD. It has demonstrated the importance of the capacity patients have to manage their workload in both conditions. This suggests a workload which exceeds capacity may be a primary driver of treatment burden. PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER CRD42016048191.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kate Alice Lippiett
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
- NIHR CLAHRC Wessex, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Alison Richardson
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
- NIHR CLAHRC Wessex, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Michelle Myall
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
- NIHR CLAHRC Wessex, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Amanda Cummings
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
- NIHR CLAHRC Wessex, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Carl R May
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
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Noonan MC, Wingham J, Taylor RS. 'Who Cares?' The experiences of caregivers of adults living with heart failure, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and coronary artery disease: a mixed methods systematic review. BMJ Open 2018; 8:e020927. [PMID: 29997137 PMCID: PMC6082485 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2017-020927] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2017] [Revised: 05/30/2018] [Accepted: 06/07/2018] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To assess the experiences of unpaid caregivers providing care to people with heart failure (HF) or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or coronary artery disease (CAD). Design Mixed methods systematic review including qualitative and quantitative studies. Data sources Databases searched: Medline Ebsco, PsycInfo, CINAHL Plus with Full Text, Embase, Web of Science, Ethos: The British Library and ProQuest. Grey literature identified using: Global Dissertations and Theses and Applied Sciences Index and hand searches and citation checking of included references. Search time frame: 1 January 1990 to 30 August 2017. ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA FOR SELECTING STUDIES Inclusion was limited to English language studies in unpaid adult caregivers (>18 years), providing care for patients with HF, COPD or CAD. Studies that considered caregivers for any other diagnoses and studies undertaken in low-income and middle-income countries were excluded. Quality assessment of included studies was conducted by two authors. DATA ANALYSIS/SYNTHESIS A results-based convergent synthesis was conducted. RESULTS Searches returned 8026 titles and abstracts. 54 studies-21 qualitative, 32 quantitative and 1 mixed method were included. This totalled 26 453 caregivers who were primarily female (63%), with median age of 62 years. Narrative synthesis yielded six concepts related to caregiver experience: (1) mental health, (2) caregiver role, (3) lifestyle change, (4) support for caregivers, (5) knowledge and (6) relationships. There was a discordance between paradigms regarding emerging concepts. Four concepts emerged from qualitative papers which were not present in quantitative papers: (1) expert by experience, (2) vigilance, (3) shared care and (4) time. CONCLUSION Caregiving is life altering and complex with significant health implications. Health professionals should support caregivers who in turn can facilitate the recipient to manage their long-term condition. Further longitudinal research exploring the evolution of caregiver experiences over time of patients with chronic cardiopulmonary conditions is required. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER CRD42016053412.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miriam Catherine Noonan
- European Centre for Environment and Human Health, University of Exeter Medical School, Knowledge Spa, Royal Cornwall Hospital, Truro, UK
| | - Jennifer Wingham
- Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Trust, Research, Development and Innovation, F37, Knowledge Spa, Royal Cornwall Hospital, Truro, Cornwall & University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
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Farquhar M. Assessing carer needs in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Chron Respir Dis 2018; 15:26-35. [PMID: 28685601 PMCID: PMC5802659 DOI: 10.1177/1479972317719086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2017] [Accepted: 05/21/2017] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Informal carers play a key role in supporting patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), particularly when disease is advanced. They also enable delivery of healthcare professional advice. There is a well-established impact of the caring role on carers in both the generic and COPD-specific literature. The needs of carers of patients with COPD are both generic to the caring role and disease specific. Healthcare professionals and health systems supporting patients with COPD need to actively identify and support carers. Carer assessment enables unmet needs to be identified and appropriately addressed. Assessments should consider carers' support needs, their caring capacity and practices, and carers own clinical needs. This narrative review outlines considerations for the assessment process including what should be assessed, who should conduct assessment and what should happen as a result of assessment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Morag Farquhar
- School of Health Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, UK
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Cruz J, Marques A, Machado A, O'Hoski S, Goldstein R, Brooks D. Informal caregiving in COPD: A systematic review of instruments and their measurement properties. Respir Med 2017; 128:13-27. [DOI: 10.1016/j.rmed.2017.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2017] [Revised: 05/04/2017] [Accepted: 05/05/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
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Cruz J, Marques A, Figueiredo D. Impacts of COPD on family carers and supportive interventions: a narrative review. HEALTH & SOCIAL CARE IN THE COMMUNITY 2017; 25:11-25. [PMID: 26499310 DOI: 10.1111/hsc.12292] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/02/2015] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Caring for a relative with chronic disease influences multiple dimensions of family carers' lives. This study aimed to provide an overview of the impacts of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) on family carers and identify interventions aimed at supporting them. A narrative review was conducted. Searches were performed in electronic databases using a combination of keywords. Articles were screened for relevance and selected articles were analysed in two groups considering the study aims. Eighteen articles were selected. Fifteen studies evaluated the impacts of COPD on family carers and three studies presented interventions aimed at supporting them. Carers reported negative impacts of caring on physical health, emotional, social, relational and financial/employment life dimensions. Positive aspects of care-giving were reported in four studies and were related to carers' personal growth and satisfaction in being able to do something useful for their relatives. The existing interventions were directed at both patients and carers; however, studies provided limited information on how carers were involved, hindering the interpretation of findings. In conclusion, COPD poses several unique challenges to family carers related to the specificities of the disease. Further research with appropriate intervention studies is needed to promote carers' healthy adjustment to the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joana Cruz
- Department of Health Sciences (SACS), University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
- School of Health Sciences, University of Aveiro (ESSUA), Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Alda Marques
- School of Health Sciences, University of Aveiro (ESSUA), Aveiro, Portugal
- Center for Health Technology and Services Research (CINTESIS), School of Health Sciences, University of Aveiro (ESSUA), Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Daniela Figueiredo
- School of Health Sciences, University of Aveiro (ESSUA), Aveiro, Portugal
- Center for Health Technology and Services Research (CINTESIS), School of Health Sciences, University of Aveiro (ESSUA), Aveiro, Portugal
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Bove DG, Zakrisson AB, Midtgaard J, Lomborg K, Overgaard D. Undefined and unpredictable responsibility: a focus group study of the experiences of informal caregiver spouses of patients with severe COPD. J Clin Nurs 2016; 25:483-93. [PMID: 26818373 DOI: 10.1111/jocn.13076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/27/2015] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
AIMS AND OBJECTIVES To explore how spouses of patients with severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease experience their role as informal caregiver. BACKGROUND Informal caregiver spouses are of pivotal importance in the way that patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease cope with their daily life, including their opportunity to stay at home and avoid hospitalisations in the last stages of the disease. However, caregiving is associated with increased morbidity and mortality among caregivers. Further understanding of the role as an informal caregiver spouse of patients with severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is needed to develop supportive interventions aimed at reducing the caregiver burden. DESIGN The study had a qualitative exploratory design. The data collection and analysis were based on framework method. Framework method is a thematic methodology and consists of five key stages: familiarisation, identifying a thematic framework, indexing, charting and mapping & interpretation. METHODS Three focus groups were conducted in November 2013 with 22 spouses of patients with severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. RESULTS Undefined and unpredictable responsibility was found to be the overarching theme describing the informal caregiver role. Underlying themes were: being constantly in a state of alertness, social life modified, maintaining normality, ambivalence in the relationship and a willingness to be involved. CONCLUSIONS The informal caregiver spouses experienced ambiguity about expectations from their private and the health professionals' surroundings. The informal caregiver spouses wanted to provide meaningful care for their partners, but sought knowledge and support from the health professionals. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE We recommend that nurses take on the responsibility for including the informal caregiver spouses in those aspects of decision-making that involve the common life of the patients and their spouses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dorthe Gaby Bove
- Department of Pulmonary and Infectious Diseases, Nordsjaellands Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Ann-Britt Zakrisson
- University Healthcare Research Centre, Faculty of Health and Medicine, Örebro University, Sweden.,Centre for Assessment of Medical Technology, Örebro University, Sweden
| | - Julie Midtgaard
- Institute of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.,The University Hospital Centre for Health Research, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, København Ø, Denmark
| | - Kirsten Lomborg
- Section for Nursing, Department of Clinical Medicine and Department of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aarhus University, Aarhus N, Danmark
| | - Dorthe Overgaard
- Research Unit, Nordsjaellands Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Department of Nursing, Metropolitan University College, Copenhagen, Denmark
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Nakken N, Janssen DJ, van den Bogaart EH, Wouters EF, Franssen FM, Vercoulen JH, Spruit MA. Informal caregivers of patients with COPD: Home Sweet Home? Eur Respir Rev 2015; 24:498-504. [DOI: 10.1183/16000617.00010114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
The burden of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) on society is increasing. Healthcare systems should support patients with COPD in achieving an optimal quality of life, while limiting the costs of care. As a consequence, a shift from hospital care to home care seems inevitable. Therefore, patients will have to rely to a greater extent on informal caregivers. Patients with COPD as well as their informal caregivers are confronted with multiple limitations in activities of daily living. The presence of an informal caregiver is important to provide practical help and emotional support. However, caregivers can be overprotective, which can make patients more dependent. Informal caregiving may lead to symptoms of anxiety, depression, social isolation and a changed relationship with the patient. The caregivers' subjective burden is a major determinant of the impact of caregiving. Therefore, the caregiver's perception of the patient's health is an important factor. This article reviews the current knowledge about these informal caregivers of patients with COPD, the impact of COPD on their lives and their perception of the patient's health status.
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