Wittenberg E, Goldsmith JV, Beltran E. Collective caregivers: A novel examination of health literacy management approaches.
PATIENT EDUCATION AND COUNSELING 2022;
105:2497-2503. [PMID:
34801338 DOI:
10.1016/j.pec.2021.11.003]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2021] [Revised: 11/02/2021] [Accepted: 11/08/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE
Health literacy and communication skills are necessary for family caregivers who often work in pairs, known as collective caregiving. Health literacy management is a relational process where communication between caregivers can be a barrier or pathway to improving or co-creating health literacy. The purpose of this study was to examine how collective caregivers manage health literacy.
METHODS
Semi-structured interviews were conducted separately for 42 caregiving pairs (n = 84). The interview guide was developed using a cancer caregiver health literacy framework. Caregiving pairs were placed into one of three collective caregiving communication patterns (absolute concordant, semi-concordant, absolute discordant). Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed, and a thematic analysis was performed by independent coders.
RESULTS
The analysis revealed three different health literacy management approaches: a defined approach where caregiver roles were clearly designated (absolute concordant pairs); a contrasting approach where one caregiver was the health literacy expert (semi-concordant pairs); an independent approach characterized by individual information seeking, processing, and patient/provider engagement (absolute discordant pairs).
CONCLUSIONS
Health literacy support should address aspects of the family system such as caregiver-caregiver communication which influence variance in health literacy management. Practice implications Our study can inform provider communication and healthcare interventions aimed at supporting health literacy for caregivers.
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