Debra Parker Oliver1, George Demiris2,3, Karla T Washington1, Carlyn Clark2, Deborah Thomas-Jones2. 1. Curtis W. and Ann H. Long Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia. 2. Biobehavioral Nursing and Health Systems, School of Nursing, University of Washington, Seattle. 3. Biomedical and Health Informatics, School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle.
Abstract
Purpose: Family caregivers of hospice patients are responsible for the day-to-day care of their loved ones during the final months of life. They are faced with numerous challenges. The purpose of this study was to understand the challenges and coping strategies used by hospice caregivers as they care for their family members. Design: This study is a secondary analysis of data from an attention control group in a large randomized controlled trial testing a cognitive behavioral intervention with hospice caregivers. Methods: Audiotaped interviews were coded with initial themes and combined into final categories of caregiving challenges and strategies for managing the hospice caregiving experience. Results: Caregivers shared narratives discussing challenges that included their frustrations with patient care issues, emotional challenges, frustrations with various health care systems, financial problems, and personal health concerns. They also discussed coping strategies involving patient care, self-care, and emotional support. The coping techniques were both problem and emotion based. Implications: There is a need for interventions that focus on strengthening both problem-based and emotional-based coping skills to improve the caregiving experience.
Purpose: Family caregivers of hospice patients are responsible for the day-to-day care of their loved ones during the final months of life. They are faced with numerous challenges. The purpose of this study was to understand the challenges and coping strategies used by hospice caregivers as they care for their family members. Design: This study is a secondary analysis of data from an attention control group in a large randomized controlled trial testing a cognitive behavioral intervention with hospice caregivers. Methods: Audiotaped interviews were coded with initial themes and combined into final categories of caregiving challenges and strategies for managing the hospice caregiving experience. Results: Caregivers shared narratives discussing challenges that included their frustrations with patient care issues, emotional challenges, frustrations with various health care systems, financial problems, and personal health concerns. They also discussed coping strategies involving patient care, self-care, and emotional support. The coping techniques were both problem and emotion based. Implications: There is a need for interventions that focus on strengthening both problem-based and emotional-based coping skills to improve the caregiving experience.
Authors: Ardith Z Doorenbos; Barbara Given; Charles W Given; Gwen Wyatt; Audrey Gift; Mohammad Rahbar; Sangchoon Jeon Journal: Res Nurs Health Date: 2007-06 Impact factor: 2.228
Authors: Karla T Washington; Debra Parker Oliver; Jacquelyn J Benson; Abigail J Rolbiecki; Lucas A Jorgensen; Dulce M Cruz-Oliver; George Demiris Journal: J Psychosoc Oncol Date: 2019-11-06
Authors: Djin L Tay; Eli Iacob; Maija Reblin; Kristin G Cloyes; Miranda Jones; Megan C Thomas Hebdon; Kathleen Mooney; Anna C Beck; Lee Ellington Journal: Psychooncology Date: 2021-09-12 Impact factor: 3.894
Authors: Debra Parker Oliver; Karla T Washington; Jacquelyn Benson; Patrick White; Dulce Cruz Oliver; Jamie B Smith; Joshua Mazur; Abeba Lakew; Alexandra Lewis; George Demiris Journal: J Soc Work End Life Palliat Care Date: 2022-03-12
Authors: George Demiris; Kristin L Corey Magan; Debra Parker Oliver; Karla T Washington; Chad Chadwick; Jeffrey D Voigt; Sam Brotherton; Mary D Naylor Journal: J Am Med Inform Assoc Date: 2020-06-01 Impact factor: 4.497
Authors: Jacquelyn J Benson; Karla T Washington; Robin L Kruse; Debra Parker Oliver; Abigail J Rolbiecki; George Demiris Journal: J Palliat Med Date: 2021-03-10 Impact factor: 2.947