Caregivers’ Experience of End-of-Life Stage Elderly Patients: Longitudinal Qualitative Interview

Author:

Wong Eliza Lai-YiORCID,Lau Janice Ying-Chui,Chau Patsy Yuen-Kwan,Chung Roger Yat-NorkORCID,Wong Samuel Yeung-ShanORCID,Woo JeanORCID,Yeoh Eng-Kiong

Abstract

Objectives: This study seeks to provide an understanding of the changing experiences in caregivers of end-of-life patients in Hong Kong through exploring their caregiving journey. Methods: Using longitudinal individual qualitative interviews, a total of 14 caregivers of community-dwelling elderly patients receiving end-of-life care were recruited between 2015 and 2016. A series of in-depth interviews and observations were conducted in 14 cases during the end-of-life journey. Results: A thematic analysis revealed four sequential experiential stages, abbreviated as “CAPE” that caregivers confronted: Stage 1 Certainty, (1a) lack of certainty regarding the progression of decline at the end-stage of life (1b) feelings of despair as patients’ function decreased; Stage 2 Ambivalence, (2a) feelings of ambivalence after decisions were made regarding EOL care, (2b) struggle over care responsibility within families; Stage 3 Perturbed, (3a) varied in quality of EOL care, (3b) depressed mood arisen from frequent exposure to the suffering of elderly patients; and Stage 4 Expectation, (4a) losing the caregiving role as patients showing signs of imminent death. Conclusions: These findings increase our understanding of caregivers’ in-depth experience over time that arise within the structural context of end-of-life care. Our data highlights the need for end of life related knowledge and information, provision of a caring atmosphere and communication, and professional-led detachment in creating caregiving-friendly service in healthcare system, thus as to provide support and alleviate stress for caregivers with their critical responsibility and role during the course of end-of-life care.

Funder

Health and Medical Research Fund (HMRF) of the Food and Health Bureau of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region

Publisher

MDPI AG

Subject

Health, Toxicology and Mutagenesis,Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health

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