Related Experiment Videos
The family caregiver experience in palliative care pathways: a multidimensional framework
Marzia Cettina Severino1, Costanza Galli2, Sabina De Rosis3,4
1Interdisciplinary Center in Health Science, Sant'Anna School of Advanced Studies, Pisa, Italy. marziacettina.severino@santannapisa.it.
BMC Health Services Research
|June 17, 2026
Summary
This study developed a framework to understand the family caregiver experience in palliative care. It highlights key dimensions like needs, information clarity, and communication, crucial for improving patient and caregiver support.
Area of Science:
- Palliative Care Research
- Healthcare Services Evaluation
- Family Caregiver Support
Background:
- Family caregivers are vital in end-of-life care, supporting terminal patients.
- Understanding caregiver experiences is essential for person-centered, high-quality healthcare.
- This study focused on developing a framework for family caregiver experiences in palliative care.
Purpose of the Study:
- To collaboratively develop and validate a multidimensional framework.
- To explore the global experience of family caregivers throughout palliative care pathways.
- To involve both professionals and caregivers in framework development.
Main Methods:
- A mixed-methods design combining literature exploration and a Delphi-derived consensus process.
- A purposive sample of Italian professionals and caregivers participated in the Delphi study.
- Frameworks were refined through workshops with palliative care experts.
Main Results:
- A six-dimension framework was developed: 'Needs', 'Responses', 'Clarity and adequacy of information', 'Availability in case of need', 'Responses in the Home Context', and 'Communication and involvement'.
- All dimensions received high ratings; emotional needs, information clarity, and communication were prioritized.
- Caregivers emphasized training and involvement, while professionals focused on communication adequacy; challenges included emotional burden and communication gaps.
Conclusions:
- A collaborative, multidimensional framework for the family caregiver experience in palliative care was established.
- The framework offers a structure for assessing caregiver experiences and evaluating services.
- Findings provide insights for refining palliative care practices to better meet caregiver and professional priorities.
Related Concept Videos
01:25Continuing Care
Continuing care describes the variety of health, personal, and social services provided over a prolonged period. The need for continuing care is increasing because people are living longer. Many people do not have families or others to care for them. Continuing care is mainly for patients who are disabled, functionally dependent, or suffering from a terminal disease. It is available within institutional settings or in homes. Examples include nursing centers or facilities, assisted living,...
01:29Documentation in Long-Term and Home Healthcare Setting
Documentation in long-term care facilities and home healthcare settings is crucial for ensuring continuous, coordinated, and comprehensive care for patients. Each setting has its specific documentation processes and tools:
Long-Term Care Facilities
Long-Term Care Facilities
01:13Patient-centered Care
Patient-centered care involves delivering care beyond inpatient hospitalization. Reflective practice can enhance a patient-centered approach. Reflective practice is a process of reasoning that considers all aspects of the present situation, including practicalities, learning from personal practice, and consideration of patient needs. Patients appreciate care decisions made while considering their input. Involving the patient in their care provides the patient with a sense of contribution rather...
01:15Methods of Documentation VI: Case Management Model
The case management model is a multidisciplinary approach that involves healthcare professionals from diverse disciplines, such as physicians, nurses, therapists, social workers, and pharmacists, working collaboratively to address the various needs of patients. Each healthcare professional brings unique expertise and perspectives, contributing to a more comprehensive understanding of the patient's condition and tailoring treatment plans accordingly.
For example, a patient with a chronic illness...
For example, a patient with a chronic illness...
01:21Interdisciplinary Care: The Health Care Team-I
An interdisciplinary team includes many healthcare professionals working together and utilizing their skills, knowledge, and expertise to provide holistic and quality patient care.
Physicians
The physician's primary responsibility is to diagnose illness and direct the medical or surgical treatment of the condition. The authority to admit patients to a healthcare agency or institution and practice care within that setting is granted to physicians by the healthcare agency or institution itself.
Physicians
The physician's primary responsibility is to diagnose illness and direct the medical or surgical treatment of the condition. The authority to admit patients to a healthcare agency or institution and practice care within that setting is granted to physicians by the healthcare agency or institution itself.
01:18Interdisciplinary Care: The Health Care Team-II
An interdisciplinary team includes many healthcare professionals working together and utilizing their skills, knowledge, and expertise to provide holistic and quality patient care. Here are a few more healthcare professionals.
Physical Therapist
A physical therapist (PT) aims to restore function or prevent additional impairment in a patient following an injury or disease. Massage, heat, cold, water, sonar waves, exercises, and electrical stimulation are some treatments used by PTs to treat...
Physical Therapist
A physical therapist (PT) aims to restore function or prevent additional impairment in a patient following an injury or disease. Massage, heat, cold, water, sonar waves, exercises, and electrical stimulation are some treatments used by PTs to treat...