title: Informal caregiving dynamics with a case study in blood and marrow transplantation.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To develop a definition of informal caregiving dynamics through a selective literature review and explore the proposed definition in the context of blood and marrow transplantation using a case study.
  
  
  METHODS
  Published articles.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Informal caregiving dynamics are commitment, expectations, and negotiation that move a dyadic informal caregiving relationship along an illness trajectory.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The proposed definition of informal caregiving dynamics is useful in explaining how an informal caregiving dyadic relationship develops and is sustained.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Understanding the dynamics underlying informal caregiving relationships enables nurses to intervene effectively to develop and sustain these vital relationships. Elements of the concept require further clarification. Research to validate the accuracy of the concept is needed.
authors.affiliation: University of Texas School of Nursing, Houston, TX, USA. lori.williams@prodigy.net
authors.forename: Lori A
authors.initials: LA
authors.lastname: Williams
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D016026:Bone Marrow Transplantation / Q000451:nursing* / Q000523:psychology*; D017028:Caregivers / Q000193:education / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D019650:Hematopoietic Stem Cell Mobilization / Q000379:methods* / Q000451:nursing; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male