The experiences of caregivers of patients with delirium, and their role in its management in palliative care settings: an integrative literature review

ConclusionHigh levels of distress are experienced by caregivers of patients with delirium. Distress is heightened because of the potential irreversibility of delirium in palliative care settings and uncertainty around whether the caregiver–patient relationship can be re‐established before death. Caregivers can contribute to the management of patient delirium. Additional intervention studies with informational, emotional and behavioural components are required to improve support for caregivers and to help the caregiver support the patient. Reducing caregiver distress should be a goal of any future intervention. © 2016 The Authors. Psycho‐Oncology Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Source: Psycho-Oncology - Category: Cancer & Oncology Authors: Tags: Review Article Source Type: research