Butola S, Bhatnagar S, Rawlinson F. Caring and Conflict-Palliative Care in the Armed Forces: The Challenges for Caregivers.
Indian J Palliat Care 2021;
27:405-418. [PMID:
34898934 PMCID:
PMC8655645 DOI:
10.25259/ijpc_393_20]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2021] [Accepted: 09/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES
In India, Palliative care remains inaccessible, especially in remote areas. This study aimed at exploring the experience of caregivers related to arranging palliative care at home, for personnel and family members of an armed force.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Qualitative study based on thematic analysis of semi-structured interviews with adult caregivers - either serving personnel or their dependent family members.
RESULTS
Lack of palliative care in rural areas makes arranging home care challenging for Indian caregivers, especially in armed forces. The families stay alone and personnel cannot be there to look after loved ones. Constraints of leave, financial and legal problems, frequent movement and social isolation disrupt care as well as family and community support systems, leading to psycho-social problems and stress for the serving personnel as well as families. Educating staff, integrating palliative care into existing medical services, coordinating with other agencies to increase awareness and provide care at home, access to opioids, timely leave, reimbursement of expenses, increased family accommodation, guidance about benefits, and considerate implementation of transfer policy can help mitigate some of their problems.
CONCLUSION
These caregivers face physical exhaustion, psycho-social, financial, legal, and spiritual issues- some common to all rural Indians and others unique to the armed forces. Understanding their experiences will help the providers find solutions, especially in relation to the unique needs of the men in uniform.
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