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The Experience of Caregiving for Persons with Advanced Heart Failure: An Integrative Review

Date

2017-03-27

Journal Title

Journal ISSN

Volume Title

Publisher

ORCID

0000-0001-6071-8995

Type

Thesis

Degree Level

Masters

Abstract

ABSTRACT Introduction: It is estimated that the number of people in the advanced stages of heart failure will rise in the future. To meet the high demands of this population, family caregivers will be required to play a large role. Without adequate support, caregivers of persons with advanced HF often have difficulty managing their caregiving role. Access to palliative care services have been shown to reduce caregiver burden; however, referral to these programs is limited. The unique needs of caregivers of persons with advanced HF are not effectively being met and reports of physical and mental health challenges are common. Objective: The purpose of this review was to outline the state of the literature related to the experience of family caregiving for persons with advanced heart failure and identify gaps that require further research investigation. Methodology: The method used for this integrative review was based on Whitmore and Knaflā€™s approach to systematically combining quantitative and qualitative literature. A search of CINAHL, Medline, EMBASE and PubMed identified 23 articles that met inclusion criteria. Articles were assessed for quality categorizing each article as either Strong, Moderate or Weak. Data was analyzed using the constant comparison method and coded in NVivo11 (QSR International). Thematic analysis was used to develop themes. Results: The state of the literature related to caregivers of persons with advanced HF can be divided into six key areas which include: a) undertaking a journey in a state of flux, b) gaining strength, c) forgetting oneself along the way, d) seeking out sources of support, e) preparing for end of life, and f) finding closure. Significance: There is an incomplete understanding of the experience of caregiving for persons with advanced heart failure. Specific research gaps included the male perspective, study of participants other than a spouse, Canadian context, positive aspects of caregiving, and caregiver experience during bereavement period. Conclusion: It is recommended that future research attempt to reduce current gaps in the literature in order to gain a broader understanding of the experience of caregiving for persons with advanced heart failure. This enhanced understanding can then be used as a basis for development of targeted interventions that meet the care needs of this population.

Description

Keywords

Advanced Heart failure, caregiver, family caregiver, palliative care

Citation

Degree

Master of Nursing (M.N.)

Department

Nursing

Program

Nursing

Part Of

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DOI

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