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Sick people

Facilitating change and adaptation : The experiences of current and bereaved carers of patients with severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Background: Patients with severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) experience substantial symptom burden, psychological and social morbidity. The experience of this illness has an impact beyond the patient.

Objective: This study seeks to understand the experiences and needs of family carers of people with severe COPD.

Thu, 07/20/2017 - 15:23

Telephone support group intervention for persons with hemophilia and HIV/AIDS and family caregivers

The purpose of this pilot project was to test the feasibility of a telephone support group intervention for persons with hemophilia and HIV/AIDS and for their family caregivers. Their support needs were unique because they did not identify with predominant groups of persons with AIDS and were geographically dispersed from peers. The 12 week intervention involved separate telephone support groups for hemophiliacs and for family caregivers. The two groups, comprised of a predetermined maximum of six people, were co-led by a professional and a peer.

Thu, 07/20/2017 - 15:22

Occupational changes in caregivers for spouses with stroke and aphasia

Introduction: Stroke is a leading cause of disability worldwide. While health services focus on the needs of diagnosed persons, families provide extensive informal care with diverse effects on daily life and health. Understanding caregivers' experience is critical to support their health and sustained contributions. This exploratory study examined how caring for partners with stroke and aphasia impacts caregivers' activities, identifying possible differences according to race/ethnicity through the lens of occupation.

Thu, 07/20/2017 - 15:22

Hidden patients: The relatives of patients in need of palliative care

Background: When identifying patients for palliative care, medical specialists find it necessary to disclose “hidden” patients: the patient's relatives. The issue has been discussed sporadically in Bulgaria; the present study was part of a larger investigation that examined the opinion of medical specialists, patients, and their relatives.

Thu, 07/20/2017 - 15:18

The use of non-invasive ventilation at end of life in patients with motor neurone disease: A qualitatitve exploration of family carer and health professional experiences

Background: Non-invasive ventilation improves quality and quantity of life in patients with motor neurone disease who have respiratory failure. Use of non-invasive ventilation may, however, result in complex clinical issues for end-of-life care, with concerns as to whether and how it should be withdrawn.

Aim: This study aimed to describe carer and health professional experiences of end-of-life care of motor neurone disease patients using non-invasive ventilation.

Thu, 07/20/2017 - 15:18

Family members' of persons living with a serious mental illness: Experiences and efforts to cope with stigma

Background: Studies have indicated that family members of persons with mental illness often experience stigma in relation to their relatives' illness. Less is known about the type of experiences they face and how they cope with these experiences.

Aims: To explore family members' experiences and efforts to cope with mental illness stigma in social encounters.

Method: A qualitative immersion/crystallization analysis of focus group data was used to examine family members' experiences and responses to perceived stigma.

Thu, 07/20/2017 - 15:14

Towards a more liveable life for close relatives of individuals diagnosed with bipolar disorder

The life of close relatives of persons with bipolar disorder (BD) is associated with emotional distress, depression, and a high level of use of mental health care. Illness-related changes of their life situation endanger relationships, social life, finances, and occupational functioning. Understanding of facilitating conditions for close relatives is still a neglected research area. The aim of the present study thus was to explore what makes the life of close relatives of persons with BD more liveable. A lifeworld phenomenological approach was used.

Thu, 07/20/2017 - 15:14

Family caregivers and palliative care: Current status and agenda for the future

The quality of life of the person confronting the end stages of their life may be severely compromised without the support of family caregivers. Indeed, most people requiring palliative care would not be able to fulfill their preferences, such as care at home, without significant family caregiver input. As a consequence, health services are mandated to support the family alongside the person diagnosed with a life-threatening illness. In short, palliative care is supposed to be family centred. However, the quality and type of support made available to family caregivers has been questioned.

Thu, 07/20/2017 - 15:14

Effects of gender and employment status on support provided to caregivers

This study was designed to examine the impact of caregiver gender and employment status on laypeople's willingness to support the caregiver. A total of 216 undergraduates were randomly assigned to read 1 of 4 vignettes that described an individual caring for his or her physically ill spouse. Caregiver gender (man or woman) and employment status (full-time employment or retirement) were manipulated. Overall, female participants reported that they would provide higher levels of support than did male participants, particularly with regard to emotional support.

Thu, 07/20/2017 - 15:14

Worried sick: the emotional impact of cancer

Macmillan Cancer Support’s Worried Sick report presents a summary of the findings of a major quantitative survey conducted by Opinion Leader Research (OLR). The survey explores the impact of a cancer diagnosis on the lives of both people with cancer (who have received the diagnosis) and people affected by cancer (family members and friends who often help them cope with their cancer experience).

Thu, 07/20/2017 - 15:14

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