Jennifer White, Dane Falcioni, Roslyn Barker, Julie Bajic-Smith, Chitra Krishnan, Elise Mansfield, Carolyn Hullick
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引用次数: 0
Abstract
Aims: To explore the emotional wellbeing of dementia carers in the lead up to and during transition of a person living with dementia to a residential aged care facility.
Design: An interpretative qualitative study.
Methods: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with informal carers of person living with dementia between February and June 2023. Data were analysed using an inductive thematic approach and resulted in three themes.
Results: The majority of carers were adult children (n = 19) and six were wives. Carers lived across metropolitan (n = 20) and regional settings (n = 5) in the most populous state of Australia. Three themes were identified which were attributed to different aspects of the carer role: (1) Carer emotional journey as dementia progresses - impacted by knowledge and lack of support; (2) Questioning decision making-underpinned by knowledge and confidence; and (3) Challenges in re-establishing identity - impacted by ongoing concerns.
Conclusion: As dementia progresses carers of person living with dementia consistently reported gaps in knowledge including how to access support. Specifically, this study identified the need for more to be done to help carers to develop the skills needed for their role, including participation in care planning and identifying care preferences for the future. Nurses can play a key role in promoting referral to services that support carers. Findings offer practical solutions to ameliorate carer stress and promote shared decision making.
Reporting method: This research was guided by the Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research.
期刊介绍:
The Journal of Clinical Nursing (JCN) is an international, peer reviewed, scientific journal that seeks to promote the development and exchange of knowledge that is directly relevant to all spheres of nursing practice. The primary aim is to promote a high standard of clinically related scholarship which advances and supports the practice and discipline of nursing. The Journal also aims to promote the international exchange of ideas and experience that draws from the different cultures in which practice takes place. Further, JCN seeks to enrich insight into clinical need and the implications for nursing intervention and models of service delivery. Emphasis is placed on promoting critical debate on the art and science of nursing practice.
JCN is essential reading for anyone involved in nursing practice, whether clinicians, researchers, educators, managers, policy makers, or students. The development of clinical practice and the changing patterns of inter-professional working are also central to JCN''s scope of interest. Contributions are welcomed from other health professionals on issues that have a direct impact on nursing practice.
We publish high quality papers from across the methodological spectrum that make an important and novel contribution to the field of clinical nursing (regardless of where care is provided), and which demonstrate clinical application and international relevance.