John P Rosenberg1, Tracey Bullen2, Kate Maher3. 1. Formerly Calvary Centre for Palliative Care Research, Australian Catholic University, Watson, Australian Capital Territory, Australia Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia jprosenberg@bigpond.com. 2. Formerly Calvary Centre for Palliative Care Research, Australian Catholic University, Watson, Australian Capital Territory, Australia Institute of Child Protection Studies, Australian Catholic University, Watson, Australian Capital Territory, Australia. 3. Palliative Care, Clare Holland House, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia.
Abstract
PURPOSE: The purpose of this qualitative analysis was to examine the experiences of family caregivers supporting a dying person in the home setting. In particular, it explores caregivers' perceptions of receiving palliative care at home when supplied with an emergency medication kit (EMK). RESULTS: Most family caregivers described preexisting medication management strategies that were unable to provide timely intervention in symptoms. The EMK was largely viewed as an effective strategy in providing timely symptom control and preventing readmission to inpatient care. Caregivers reported varying levels of confidence in the administration of medication. CONCLUSION: The provision of an EMK is an effective strategy for improving symptom control and preventing inpatient admissions of home-dwelling palliative care patients.
PURPOSE: The purpose of this qualitative analysis was to examine the experiences of family caregivers supporting a dying person in the home setting. In particular, it explores caregivers' perceptions of receiving palliative care at home when supplied with an emergency medication kit (EMK). RESULTS: Most family caregivers described preexisting medication management strategies that were unable to provide timely intervention in symptoms. The EMK was largely viewed as an effective strategy in providing timely symptom control and preventing readmission to inpatient care. Caregivers reported varying levels of confidence in the administration of medication. CONCLUSION: The provision of an EMK is an effective strategy for improving symptom control and preventing inpatient admissions of home-dwelling palliative care patients.