What are the perceived needs and challenges of informal caregivers in home cancer palliative care? Qualitative data to construct a feasible psycho-educational intervention

TY - JOUR

T1 - What are the perceived needs and challenges of informal caregivers in home cancer palliative care? Qualitative data to construct a feasible psycho-educational intervention

AU - Harding, R.

AU - Epiphaniou, E.

AU - Hamilton, D.

AU - Bridger, S.

AU - Robinson, V.

AU - George, Rob

AU - Beynon, Teresa

AU - Higginson, I. J.

PY - 2012/9

Y1 - 2012/9

N2 - Purpose Tailored and specific interventions for informal caregivers in palliative care are rare. We aimed to generate evidence to inform a subsequent appropriate intervention based on caregivers' experiences. Method Single, semi-structured qualitative interviews were undertaken with 20 informal cancer caregivers of home cancer palliative care. Results Carers reported the need to be prepared for their caring role, to be visible to professionals, to receive clear and specific information about the patient's condition, and to be emotionally supported. They described challenges as uncertainty, distress at witnessing disease progression and the daily struggle with financial issues, personal time, own health and sleep problems. Conclusions Considering the time pressures and restricted caregiver time, the intervention should be brief and should aim to enhance their visibility as service recipients, patient-specific information giving, preparation for their role, and emotional support.

AB - Purpose Tailored and specific interventions for informal caregivers in palliative care are rare. We aimed to generate evidence to inform a subsequent appropriate intervention based on caregivers' experiences. Method Single, semi-structured qualitative interviews were undertaken with 20 informal cancer caregivers of home cancer palliative care. Results Carers reported the need to be prepared for their caring role, to be visible to professionals, to receive clear and specific information about the patient's condition, and to be emotionally supported. They described challenges as uncertainty, distress at witnessing disease progression and the daily struggle with financial issues, personal time, own health and sleep problems. Conclusions Considering the time pressures and restricted caregiver time, the intervention should be brief and should aim to enhance their visibility as service recipients, patient-specific information giving, preparation for their role, and emotional support.

U2 - 10.1007/s00520-011-1300-z

DO - 10.1007/s00520-011-1300-z

M3 - Article

SN - 0941-4355

VL - 20

SP - 1975

EP - 1982

JO - Supportive Care in Cancer

JF - Supportive Care in Cancer

IS - 9

ER -