Health care providers' perceptions of family caregivers' involvement in consultations within a geriatric hospital setting

This study explored health professionals' (HPs') experiences of interacting with family care-givers (FCs), and the strategies they employ during these interactions. Qualitative methods involved audio-taped and transcribed in-depth semi-structured interviews with 21 HPs (doctors, nurses) from the geriatric wards of two tertiary hospitals. Framework methods were used to analyze data. Seven main themes emerged: Variation in family behaviours; FCs face many challenges; Psychosocial factors influence FCs' behaviours; Attitudes, competing responsibilities and lack of resources influencing HPs' strategies and behaviours; Strategies employed by HPs to improve communication; HPs' self-care strategies; Impact of interactions on HPs and the healthcare system.
Source: Geriatric Nursing - Category: Nursing Authors: Source Type: research