Caring experiences of family caregivers of patients with heart failure: A meta-ethnographic review of the past 10 years

Abstract

Background: Living with heart failure, a debilitating disease with an unpredictable course, requires ongoing adaptation and management not only from patients but also from their families. Family caregivers have been known to be key facilitators of self-management of heart failure. An integrative understanding of the experiences of family caregivers will provide essential information for improving the quality of life of persons with heart failure and their families. Aims: This study aimed to integrate and synthesize the findings of qualitative studies on family members’ experiences of caring for patients with heart failure. Methods: We employed the meta-ethnography methodology. Five electronic bibliographic databases were used to retrieve studies published from April 2009–March 2019 that explored family caregivers’ experiences of caring for patients with heart failure. Twelve qualitative studies were finally included for the synthesis, based on the eligibility criteria. Results: Three themes were identified: “shouldering the entire burden,” “starting a new life,” and “balancing caregiving and everyday life.” These three themes illustrate how family caregivers fulfilled caregiving roles, what helped them juggle their multiple responsibilities, and how they struck a balance between life as caregivers and individuals in their own right. Conclusion: This review provides a deeper understanding of family caregivers’ experiences of caring for patients with heart failure. The findings can help healthcare providers in the development and implementation of tailored interventions for both patients and family caregivers.