PERCEPTIONS AND EXPERIENCES OF FAMILY CAREGIVERS OF BEDRIDDEN ELDERLY

Objective: To know the perceptions and experiences of family caregivers of bedridden elderly. Methods: A qualitative descriptive exploratory study conducted in January 2015 with four caregivers in a Family Health Center in the municipality of Araripe, CE. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and the information was organized using the content analysis technique. A total of three categories emerged from the analysis of the reports of caregivers: the dependence process of the elderly; daily difficulties experienced by the caregiver; and satisfaction with the home care service. Results: The dependence process of the elderly took place as a consequence of pathological processes such as neoplasm, cerebrovascular accident and dementia. However, it could also be observed that physiological phenomena – common in old age – can also make individuals dependent on caregivers. As to the difficulties faced by the caregivers, they reported the need for greater involvement by the family, given that the centralization of work generates an overload and hence affects the care of the elderly. Teamwork in the home care context is fundamental, given that it allows a complementary and comprehensive care to the ledrely/caregiver binomial. Conclusion: Healthy aging is a major challenge to be overcome given that the development of a healthy lifestyle is difficult in all social strata. It is necessary to improve home care in order to provide support to caregivers so that the quality of life of bedridden elderly and caregivers is improved.

The patient-provider relationship and antenatal care uptake at two referral hospitals in Malawi: A qualitative study

Background In post-stroke patients, impairment of quality of life (QOL) has been associated with functional impairment, age, anxiety, depression, and fatigue. Good social support, higher education, and better socioeconomic status are associated with better QOL among stroke survivors. In Africa, studies from Nigeria and Tanzania have reported on post-stroke QOL. Background Approximately 90% of Malawian women attend antenatal care at least once during their pregnancies; however, most mothers first present during months five and six and do not adhere to the World Health Organization’s recommended four visits. The objective of this study was to explore the role the patient-provider relationship has on antenatal care uptake. Methods A qualitative study, consisting of interviews with 20 urban pregnant mothers and eight health workers, was conducted from September to December 2014. Two large tertiary care hospitals in the Central and Southern regions of Malawi were selected as study sites. Results Several factors influenced antenatal care attendance. Significant barriers reported included the patient-provider relationship, clinic wait times, family and friend support, distance from home to the clinic, transportation, cost, and number of visits. The patient-provider relationship appears to have a large impact on antenatal clinic participation. Mothers indicated that health workers often mistreat or demean them during visits. Additionally, health workers revealed that, due to staff shortages, patients often do not receive the care they deserve. Conclusions The results of this study suggest that, in addition to other factors, healthcare provider attitudes influence antenatal clinic attendance. Improving the patient-provider relationship may increase antenatal clinic attendance and decrease pregnancy complications during pregnancy. Professional development opportunities and quality improvement programmes are would help improve patient care and health outcomes while the continued staff shortages in the country are addressed.

Palliative care team visits. Qualitative study through participant observation

Objectives: To describe the clinical encounters that occur when a palliative care team provides patient care and the features that influence these encounters and indicate whether they are favorable or unfavorable depending on the expectations and feelings of the various participants. Methods: A qualitative case study conducted via participant observation. A total of 12 observations of the meetings of palliative care teams with patients and families in different settings (home, hospital and consultation room) were performed. The visits were follow-up or first visits, either scheduled or on demand. Content analysis of the observation was performed. Results: The analysis showed the normal follow-up activity of the palliative care unit that was focused on controlling symptoms, sharing information and providing advice on therapeutic regimens and care. The environment appeared to condition the patients\' expressions and the type of patient relationship. Favorable clinical encounter conditions included kindness and gratitude. Unfavorable conditions were deterioration caused by approaching death, unrealistic family objectives and limited resources. Conclusion: Home visits from basic palliative care teams play an important role in patient and family well-being. The visits seem to focus on controlling symptoms and are conditioned by available resources.