A Multi-Professional Short-Term Group Intervention for Informal Caregivers of Patients Using a Home Palliative Care Service

Harding, Richard; Leam, Celia; Pearce, Alison; Taylor, Elizabeth; Higginson, Irene J

doi:10.1177/082585970201800405

Cited by 27 publications

(33 citation statements)

References 25 publications

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“…Five studies were pre-test/post-test designs without comparison groups and all were graded weaker in evidence [31-35]. Finally, two studies were examined via qualitative methods (vis semi-structured interviews) and were therefore graded as weak evidence [36,37]. …”

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…However, Harding et al [30] reported that a short-term intervention promoting self-care had no significant benefit to carers' psychosocial health or well-being. However a qualitative study with family carers who participated in the intervention revealed that valued outcomes were validation of feelings, identification with other carers, opportunities for questions and provision of support to others [36]. …”

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

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A systematic review of psychosocial interventions for family carers of palliative care patients

2010

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BackgroundBeing a family carer to a patient nearing the end of their life is a challenging and confronting experience. Studies show that caregiving can have negative consequences on the health of family carers including fatigue, sleep problems, depression, anxiety and burnout. One of the goals of palliative care is to provide psychosocial support to patients and families facing terminal illness. A systematic review of interventions for family carers of cancer and palliative care patients conducted at the start of this millennium demonstrated that there was a dearth of rigorous inquiry on this topic and consequently limited knowledge regarding the types of interventions likely to be effective in meeting the complex needs of family carers. We wanted to discern whether or not the evidence base to support family carers has improved. Furthermore, undertaking this review was acknowledged as one of the priorities for the International Palliative Care Family Carer Research Collaboration http://www.centreforpallcare.org.MethodsA systematic review was undertaken in order to identify developments in family carer support that have occurred over the last decade. The focus of the review was on interventions that targeted improvements in the psychosocial support of family carers of palliative care patients. Studies were graded to assess their quality.ResultsA total of fourteen studies met the inclusion criteria. The focus of interventions included psycho-education, psychosocial support, carer coping, symptom management, sleep promotion and family meetings. Five studies were randomised controlled trials, three of which met the criteria for the highest quality evidence. There were two prospective studies, five pre-test/post-test projects and two qualitative studies.ConclusionsThe systematic review identified a slight increase in the quality and quantity of psychosocial interventions conducted for family carers in the last decade. More rigorous intervention research is required in order to meet the supportive care needs of family carers of palliative care patients.

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Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

A systematic review of psychosocial interventions for family carers of palliative care patients

2010

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“…As in previous research, carers and nursing staff reported uncertainty and information needs in areas such as physical care, patient comfort, hygiene assistance, equipment, symptom management and managing diet [1,2,5]. Following Hudson’s application of a transactional coping model and proposed coping resources in care-giving situations, these skill and knowledge areas could be conceptualised as competence factors [11].…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 98%

“It’s alright to ask for help”: findings from a qualitative study exploring the information and support needs of family carers at the end of life

2014

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BackgroundFamily carers play an essential role in providing end-of-life care to their relatives but have been found to experience uncertainty and a lack of confidence in fulfilling their caregiving roles, prompting recent calls for educational or information based resources to be developed for carers.MethodsWe carried out four focus groups with Clinical Nurse Specialists, healthcare assistants, former and current carers at a hospice in the UK, to explore the information and support needs of family carers.ResultsOur findings support previous research by highlighting a number of care situations where carers experience uncertainty and could seemingly benefit from greater information or instruction. Three main themes were identified which reflected carer experiences and needs in relation to potential information giving or educational interventions. These have been described as the knowledge and competence of carers; the preparedness of carers and low levels of carer identification with, and confidence in their roles as ‘carers’, which influences help seeking behaviours; and in turn how potential supportive interventions might be received by carers.ConclusionsFamily carers experience multiple needs for information and education, but meeting these needs remains a challenge. Our results suggest three domains which could underpin this type of intervention: developing knowledge and competence; facilitating preparedness; supporting role recognition and confidence building. We recommend an integrated information giving approach which addresses these domains by combining a resource pack for carers with a more explicit acknowledging role for health professionals. Together these could provide key information and also build confidence amongst family carers to ask for further support and advice as needed.

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“…Henriksson and Andershed (2007) found that a support group program provided a sense of safety and relief in the everyday lives of participants. Harding et al (2002) found that identifying with others and validating feelings, asking questions of professionals, and providing mutual support were valuable group outcomes and Milberg et al (2005) concluded that support groups for family members seemed to make a valuable contribution during ongoing palliative care. Harding et al (2002) found that identifying with others and validating feelings, asking questions of professionals, and providing mutual support were valuable group outcomes and Milberg et al (2005) concluded that support groups for family members seemed to make a valuable contribution during ongoing palliative care.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Meeting needs of family members of persons with life-threatening illness: A support group program during ongoing palliative care

et al. 2011

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A Multi-Professional Short-Term Group Intervention for Informal Caregivers of Patients Using a Home Palliative Care Service

Cited by 27 publications

References 25 publications

A systematic review of psychosocial interventions for family carers of palliative care patients

A systematic review of psychosocial interventions for family carers of palliative care patients

“It’s alright to ask for help”: findings from a qualitative study exploring the information and support needs of family carers at the end of life

Meeting needs of family members of persons with life-threatening illness: A support group program during ongoing palliative care

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