Caregivers' perceptions of illness severity and end of life service utilization in advanced heart failure.

ABSTRACT:

Objectives

To assess perceptions of illness severity and terminality in caregivers of advanced heart failure (HF) patients and how these perceptions influence utilization of palliative care and end-of life services.

Background

HF is a terminal disease; yet patients and caregivers do not understand the severity of HF or acknowledge disease terminality.

Methods

This study was conducted using a qualitative design with in-depth interviews and content analysis.

Results

Most caregivers did not understand the severity of HF (68%) or disease terminality (67%). Patients were more likely to receive services when their caregivers expressed an understanding of illness severity and/or terminality.

Conclusions

Inclusion of caregivers in discussions of goals of care, a

SUBMITTER: Alonso W 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5167641 | biostudies-literature | 2017 Jan - Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature