Support to informal caregivers of patients with severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: a qualitative study of caregivers' and professionals' experiences in Swedish hospitals.

ABSTRACT:

Objectives

Informal caregivers of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) experience a heavy caregiver burden, but few studies have explored what support they need. The aim of this study was to describe perceptions of healthcare support to informal caregivers, both from the family caregiver's and the staff's perspective.

Design

A qualitative interview study involving semi-structured interviews and analysed with content analysis.

Participants

In total, 54 participated: 36 informal caregivers of patients with severe (stage 3-4) COPD and 17 healthcare staff.

Results

Two main themes emerged from the analysis: (1) Ambiguity impedes provision of support. Both caregivers and staff experienced ambiguity. The informal caregivers needed emotional, prac

SUBMITTER: Strang S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6701698 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature