The feelings and experiences of hospitalized patients regarding informal caregivers: a qualitative study

UYSAL N., GÜROL ARSLAN G., Mete S.

SOCIAL WORK IN HEALTH CARE, vol.58, no.2, pp.166-181, 2019 (SSCI) identifier identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 58 Issue: 2
  • Publication Date: 2019
  • Doi Number: 10.1080/00981389.2018.1531102
  • Journal Name: SOCIAL WORK IN HEALTH CARE
  • Journal Indexes: Social Sciences Citation Index (SSCI), Scopus
  • Page Numbers: pp.166-181
  • Keywords: Emotions, family caregivers, inpatients, qualitative research, FAMILY CAREGIVERS, BURDEN, CARE, PEOPLE, PERSPECTIVES, TYPOLOGY, CANCER, ELDERS, IMPACT, ROLES
  • Dokuz Eylül University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to understand the views of hospitalized patients regarding family/informal caregivers (ICs). In this study thematic content analysis was used, interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and coded. The 4 themes and 11 subthemes were determined. Themes: Identity of IC, expectations of IC, feelings about the presence or absence of an IC. Along with feeling positive emotions when ICs were present, patients also felt as though they were a burden on caregivers. Family caregivers are an important social support for patients and they may lead to more meaningful patient outcomes globally.