Background and aim
Patients with psychosis often have a family member who acts as their caregiver. This presence is linked to a favorable outcome for the patient, but it also represents a significant change in the family member's life and daily routine. The aim of this research is to investigate to what extent family caregivers perceive and experience barriers regarding continuity of care and participation in the care process in the Spanish context.
Methodological design and justification
Focus groups are a qualitative technique used to identify the needs, preferences, and demands of a particular group.
Ethical issues and approval
Participants provided written informed consent before participating in the study. Approval for this study was granted by the Ethics and Research Committee of Málaga Research Methods: Four focus groups (27 participants) were conducted. Data were subject to a thematic analysis.
Results
Two themes and ten subthemes were identified. The main themes are: 1) “Functions of family caregivers”, and 2) “Needs of family caregivers”. Family caregivers of people with psychotic disorders are assuming important care roles, as ensuring adherence to pharmacological treatment, functions of the auxiliary self, emotional support or promotion of autonomy. For do it properly, caregivers need the support of the health system.
Conclusions
This research identifies the needs of family caregivers and promotes, therefore, that healthcare professionals and services facilitate specific information, participation in clinical decision-making and support spaces. These measures can improve the patient's outcomes and the quality of life of the patient and caregiver.
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