Readiness for home-based palliative care among primary caregivers: an explanatory sequential mixed methods study

Area of Science:

• Palliative Care
• Caregiver Support
• Health Services Research

Background:

• Increasing patient preference for home-based palliative care (HBPC) necessitates better preparation for patients and families.
• Readiness for HBPC among primary caregivers remains an under-researched area.
• This study investigates primary caregivers' readiness for HBPC.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore and understand the readiness of primary caregivers for home-based palliative care.
• To identify factors influencing caregiver readiness for palliative care at home.

Main Methods:

• An explanatory sequential mixed-methods design was employed.
• Quantitative data were collected from 198 primary caregivers using validated questionnaires.
• Qualitative data were gathered through in-depth interviews with 15 caregivers, followed by content analysis and integration with quantitative findings.

Main Results:

• Full-time employment (OR 2.4) and perceiving caregiving as nonburdensome (OR 2.61) were associated with significantly higher caregiver readiness.
• Qualitative findings revealed five key themes of readiness: awareness/attitudes, caregiving skills/household readiness, family commitment, emergency support needs, and post-death family support.
• Theme 5 (post-death family support) emerged uniquely from qualitative data.

Conclusions:

• Health professionals should enhance awareness of palliative services and support acceptance of death.
• Implementing experiential training, mobile consultation, and community-based caregiver training programs is crucial.
• Establishing financial advice and bereavement care programs offers holistic family support.