The experiences of caregivers of patients with delirium, and their role in its management in palliative care settings: an integrative literature review.

ABSTRACT:

Objectives

To explore the experiences of caregivers of terminally ill patients with delirium, to determine the potential role of caregivers in the management of delirium at the end of life, to identify the support required to improve caregiver experience and to help the caregiver support the patient.

Methods

Four electronic databases were searched-PsychInfo, Medline, Cinahl and Scopus from January 2000 to July 2015 using the terms 'delirium', 'terminal restlessness' or 'agitated restlessness' combined with 'carer' or 'caregiver' or 'family' or 'families'. Thirty-three papers met the inclusion criteria and remained in the final review.

Results

Papers focused on (i) caregiver experience-distress, deteriorating relationships, balancing the need to relieve suffering with

SUBMITTER: Finucane AM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5363350 | biostudies-literature | 2017 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature