The Experience of Caregiving for Persons with Advanced Heart Failure: An Integrative Review
Date
2017-03-27
Authors
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 Knaflās 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