Occupational therapy for caregiver burden in adult palliative care: randomised controlled trial

This study aimed to eliminate activity limitations and improve activity performance in caregivers of patients hospitalised in palliative care units through occupational therapy intervention, enhance their coping skills with insomnia and depression, and thereby improve the activity performance and psychosocial health of caregivers.

It was carried out between 1 July 2024 and 31 September 2024, in palliative care. This cross-sectional study collected data using the Patient Demographic Form, Zarit Caregiver Burden Scale (ZCBS), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM).

A total of 56 individuals (mean age 50.42±13.04 years; 18 females, 10 males) participated in our study. Before the intervention, the participants' mean total scores were 31.32±16.69 for ZCBS, 15.32±11.01 for BDI, 8.25±3.49 for PSQI and 6.75±2.74 for COPM performance scores, with satisfaction scores averaging 6.52±2.92. The preintervention total mean score on the ZCBS was 31.32±16.69, while postintervention mean score was 30.82±17.83 (p<0.05).After intervention, a statistically significant difference was found in the caregivers' ZCBS, BDI, PSQI and COPM scores compared to preintervention measurements (p<0.05).

It is believed that person-centred and holistic occupational therapy interventions planned for caregivers can reduce their depression levels and improve sleep quality and activity performance. Regular assessment of caregivers' depression levels, sleep quality and activity performance, along with providing advance information on potential challenges and coping strategies, is crucial.