Caregivers of Patients with Hematological Malignancies within Home Care: A Phenomenological Study

Isabella Capodanno, Mirta Rocchi, Rossella Prandi, Cristina Pedroni, Enrica Tamagnini, Pierluigi Alfieri, Francesco Merli and Luca Ghirotto
Additional contact information
Isabella Capodanno: Department of Hematology, Azienda USL–IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, Viale Risorgimento, 80-42123 Reggio Emilia, Italy
Mirta Rocchi: Hospice “Casa Madonna dell’Uliveto” Via Oliveto, 34-42020 Albinea, Reggio Emilia, Italy
Rossella Prandi: Servizio Infermieristico Domiciliare, Azienda USL di Modena, piazzale dei Donatori di Sangue, 3-41012 Carpi, Italy
Cristina Pedroni: Direzione delle Professioni Sanitarie Azienda USL-IRCCS di Reggio Emilia Viale Amendola, 2-42122 Reggio Emilia, Italy
Enrica Tamagnini: Department of Primary Care, Azienda USL-IRCCS di Reggio Emilia Viale Amendola, 2-42122 Reggio Emilia, Italy
Pierluigi Alfieri: Department of Hematology, Azienda USL–IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, Viale Risorgimento, 80-42123 Reggio Emilia, Italy
Francesco Merli: Department of Hematology, Azienda USL–IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, Viale Risorgimento, 80-42123 Reggio Emilia, Italy
Luca Ghirotto: Qualitative Research Unit, Azienda USL-IRCCS di Reggio Emilia Viale Umberto I, 50-42123 Reggio Emilia, Italy

IJERPH, 2020, vol. 17, issue 11, 1-13

Abstract: The role of caregivers in homecare settings is relevant to the patient’s wellbeing and quality of life. This phenomenon is well described in the literature for the oncological setting but not specifically for that of hematological malignancies. The aim of this study was to explore the experience of primary caregivers of patients with hematological malignancies within home care. We conducted a phenomenological study based on interviews with 17 primary caregivers of hematological patients. Analysis of the contents led to the identification of five main themes. Perhaps, the innovative aspects of this study can be summarized in three points: This service was demonstrated to fulfil the ethical aspects of providing the patient with a dignified accompaniment to the end of life. Secondly, the efficiency of the service and the benefit are directly dependent on the caregivers’ wellbeing, so knowledge of the dynamics and emotions involved can lead to the development and implementation of programs for hematological malignancies. Lastly, a collaborative caregivers–professionals relationship can improve a sense of accomplishment for all parties involved, lessening the family’s frustration related to not having done their best. Home care brings significant benefits for both the patient and the caregivers and fulfils the ethical obligation of providing the patient dignified end-of-life care.

Keywords: caregivers; home care services; hematologic neoplasms; palliative care; qualitative research (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2020
References: View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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