Perceptions of an educational intervention for family caregivers of palliative care patients

Abstract

Background: Nursing interventions aimed at family caregivers of palliative cancer patients require not only an objective evaluation, but also subjective consideration of their contributions, and a qualitative evaluation that provides an in-depth understanding of these interventions. Aims: This study aimed to explore the perceptions that family caregivers of palliative cancer patients had of the nursing intervention, PalliActive Caregivers, in reducing the uncertainty associated with illness and improving the caregiver's quality of life. Methods: A qualitative approach with content analysis was used. Telephone interviews were conducted with 23 caregivers who participated in the intervention. Findings: Five themes emerged from the content analysis: consolidating physical care, adopting a positive attitude, strengthening the support available to the caregiver, strengthening spirituality and strengthening relationships. Conclusion: The themes showed a positive impact of the intervention on aspects such as the caregiver's ability to cope, spirituality and social support of caregivers. The results also indicated the possibility of conducting this type of study to identify other assessment variables for future interventions.