Decision-Making Experiences of Caregivers Who Chose Home Death for their Loved Ones Receiving Palliative Care
Keywords:
end-of-life care decision making, caregiver decision making, palliative careAbstract
This research is a qualitative study which aimed to investigate the decision-making experiences of caregivers who chose home death for their loved ones receiving palliative care. The sample group consisted of 12 families who cared for end-of-life care patients at home. Data were collected through in-depth interviews, general patient and caregiver information forms, researcher-conducted interview recordings, and transcripts. Data analysis was conducted using content and thematic analysis.
The research findings revealed three types of decision-making experiences among the caregivers for end-of-life care at home among the 12 families: 1) Decision-making for end-of-life care at home knowing it requires significant effort and patience, 2) Decision-making with preparedness for end-of-life care at home and feeling content with providing care, and 3) Decision-making for end-of-life care at home even without prior caregiving experience within the family. The data obtained were utilized to develop appropriate services, including decision support mechanisms with preparedness for end-of-life care at home and fostering contentment in caregiving. These included aspects such as communication, accurate information provision, home and caregiver preparation, efficient symptom management coordination, home care systems, and caregiver support for stress relief.
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