title: Informational needs of caregivers of terminal patients in a rural state.
abstract: Home care of a terminally ill family member is stressful, especially in rural areas. This qualitative study sought to determine informational needs of rural caregivers and how that information is obtained. Although most caregivers stated satisfaction with available information, mostly obtained from physicians and nurses, their behavior belied their satisfaction. Assertive and self-reliant, they used informal communications rather than written information to meet most of their needs. Approaches home care nurses can use to help caregivers obtain important information are presented.
authors.affiliation: University of South Florida, Tampa, USA.
authors.forename: V M
authors.initials: VM
authors.lastname: Conley
authors.forename: M E
authors.initials: ME
authors.lastname: Burman
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D017028:Caregivers / Q000193:education* / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006266:Health Education; D006301:Health Services Needs and Demand; D006801:Humans; D007255:Information Services; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D019035:Rural Health Services; D013727:Terminal Care; D014959:Wyoming