A Feasibility Study of Qualitative Methods Using the Zarit Burden Interview in Heart Failure Caregivers

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Nursing
• Public Health

Background:

• Informal caregivers play a crucial role in managing patients with heart failure (HF).
• Understanding the burden on these caregivers at hospital discharge is essential for effective support.
• Current interventions may not fully address the nuanced challenges faced by informal caregivers.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify and understand the burden experienced by informal caregivers of HF patients at hospital discharge.
• To guide the development of future education interventions for caregivers.
• To promote screening for informal caregiver burden in clinical practice.

Main Methods:

• Quantitative assessment using the Zarit Burden Interview (ZBI) to measure caregiver burden.
• Qualitative semi-structured interviews with five informal caregivers of HF patients.
• Interviews focused on high-burden items identified in the ZBI scores.

Main Results:

• ZBI scores ranged from 4 to 41, with non-spouse caregivers reporting the highest burden.
• Qualitative themes included fear, patient expectations, dependence, social isolation, and medication management stress.
• Average ZBI scores indicated little to no overall burden at the time of acute HF exacerbation.

Conclusions:

• Informal caregivers may report low overall burden but face significant specific stressors.
• Social isolation and medication management are key challenges identified.
• Findings support the development of targeted interventions and support systems for HF caregivers.