Barbro Krevers1, Birgitta Oberg. 1. Division of Physiotherapy, Department of Medical and Health Sciences, Linköping University, SE-581 83 Linköping, Sweden. barbro.krevers@liu.se
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To examine what family carers of persons with stroke impairment perceive as important support and service quality characteristics in relation to their experienced strain/burden, and to explore to what extent family carers receive support/services perceived as important. DESIGN: Data from a cross-sectional study. SUBJECTS: A sample of 183 family carers in Sweden, 64 experiencing lower and 119 experiencing higher strain/burden, a subsample of the EUROFAMCARE project. METHODS: Carers were interviewed using a structured questionnaire. RESULTS: There are few differences between carers experiencing high and low strain/burden in what they perceive and receive in terms of important support and service quality characteristics. Information, relief, and counselling support/services are highly valued. It is also important that services improve quality of life, and have good process qualities regarding interaction with staff and individualization. Most services regarded as important are received by less than 60% of carers. CONCLUSION: The variation is rather high on an individual level in terms of what carers regard as important, indicating that factors other than negative impact may influence their perceptions of support/service and service quality. Thus, it is important to know carers' perceptions in order to individualize support/service, and thus make it more available and efficient.
OBJECTIVE: To examine what family carers of persons with stroke impairment perceive as important support and service quality characteristics in relation to their experienced strain/burden, and to explore to what extent family carers receive support/services perceived as important. DESIGN: Data from a cross-sectional study. SUBJECTS: A sample of 183 family carers in Sweden, 64 experiencing lower and 119 experiencing higher strain/burden, a subsample of the EUROFAMCARE project. METHODS: Carers were interviewed using a structured questionnaire. RESULTS: There are few differences between carers experiencing high and low strain/burden in what they perceive and receive in terms of important support and service quality characteristics. Information, relief, and counselling support/services are highly valued. It is also important that services improve quality of life, and have good process qualities regarding interaction with staff and individualization. Most services regarded as important are received by less than 60% of carers. CONCLUSION: The variation is rather high on an individual level in terms of what carers regard as important, indicating that factors other than negative impact may influence their perceptions of support/service and service quality. Thus, it is important to know carers' perceptions in order to individualize support/service, and thus make it more available and efficient.
Authors: Nienke S Tielemans; Vera Pm Schepers; Johanna Ma Visser-Meily; Jolanda Cm van Haastregt; Wendy Jm van Veen; Haike E van Stralen; Caroline M van Heugten Journal: Clin Rehabil Date: 2015-12-11 Impact factor: 3.477