TY - JOUR

T1 - The impact of caring on caregivers of patients with life-threatening organ failure

AU - Kurita, Geana Paula

AU - Eidemak, Inge

AU - Larsen, Sille

AU - Jeppesen, Palle Bekker

AU - Antonsen, Louise Bangsgaard

AU - Molsted, Stig

AU - Liem, Ylian Serina

AU - Pressler, Tania

AU - Sjogren, Per

PY - 2024

Y1 - 2024

N2 - ObjectivesThis study aimed at characterizing 3 populations of family/friend caregivers of patients with different life-threatening organ failure regarding health-related quality of life, caregiver burden, and dyadic coping. MethodsThree cross-sectional (population) studies were conducted at a tertiary hospital in Denmark (2019-2020). Patients with renal failure (RF), cystic fibrosis (CF), and intestinal failure (IF) were asked to designate the closest person with >= 18 years old involved in the care (caregiver) to participate in this study. Number of caregivers included were RF = 78, CF = 104, and IF = 73. Electronic questionnaires were filled in by caregivers to assess health-related quality of life and caregiver burden and by caregivers and respective patients to assess dyadic coping. ResultsThe 3 caregiver groups had self-perception of poor health and energy; however, caregivers of CF patients perceived their physical role functioning better than those caregiving for RF and IF patients (p = 0.002). The level of caregiver burden was reported as not high, but caregivers used in average 13 hours/day for caring. Moreover, cleaning tasks (p = 0.005) and personal care (p = 0.009) were more demanding in RF and IF patients. Caregivers also did not differ regarding dyadic coping. When comparing patients and caregivers, stress communication by oneself and the partner differed (p < 0.001). Significance of resultsCaregivers spent many hours in the care role, they reported poor health, and dyadic coping may be improved. Interventions in caregivers of patients with life-threatening organ failure could help to improve care management at home, caregiver's health, and dyadic coping between caregiver and patient and consequently reduce caregiver burden.

AB - ObjectivesThis study aimed at characterizing 3 populations of family/friend caregivers of patients with different life-threatening organ failure regarding health-related quality of life, caregiver burden, and dyadic coping. MethodsThree cross-sectional (population) studies were conducted at a tertiary hospital in Denmark (2019-2020). Patients with renal failure (RF), cystic fibrosis (CF), and intestinal failure (IF) were asked to designate the closest person with >= 18 years old involved in the care (caregiver) to participate in this study. Number of caregivers included were RF = 78, CF = 104, and IF = 73. Electronic questionnaires were filled in by caregivers to assess health-related quality of life and caregiver burden and by caregivers and respective patients to assess dyadic coping. ResultsThe 3 caregiver groups had self-perception of poor health and energy; however, caregivers of CF patients perceived their physical role functioning better than those caregiving for RF and IF patients (p = 0.002). The level of caregiver burden was reported as not high, but caregivers used in average 13 hours/day for caring. Moreover, cleaning tasks (p = 0.005) and personal care (p = 0.009) were more demanding in RF and IF patients. Caregivers also did not differ regarding dyadic coping. When comparing patients and caregivers, stress communication by oneself and the partner differed (p < 0.001). Significance of resultsCaregivers spent many hours in the care role, they reported poor health, and dyadic coping may be improved. Interventions in caregivers of patients with life-threatening organ failure could help to improve care management at home, caregiver's health, and dyadic coping between caregiver and patient and consequently reduce caregiver burden.

KW - Caregiver

KW - Caregiver burden

KW - Palliative care

KW - Quality of life

KW - Coping behaviour

KW - QUALITY-OF-LIFE

KW - PARENTERAL-NUTRITION PATIENTS

KW - FAMILY-MEMBERS

KW - MALE PARTNERS

KW - BURDEN

KW - DEPRESSION

KW - CANCER

KW - METAANALYSIS

KW - ANXIETY

KW - ADULTS

U2 - 10.1017/S1478951523000469

DO - 10.1017/S1478951523000469

M3 - Journal article

C2 - 37185060

VL - 22

JO - Palliative & Supportive Care

JF - Palliative & Supportive Care

SN - 1478-9515

IS - 2

ER -