Family carers' experiences of out-of-hours community palliative care: a qualitative study.
Carers' feelings of uncertainty and anxiety can be particularly acute out-of-hours, when they may not have access to familiar sources of professional help and advice. The present study used qualitative semi-structured interviews to explore carers' experiences of out-of-hours care and support services. Fifteen bereaved carers in the Calderdale and Kirklees area were interviewed, and the interview transcripts analysed thematically. In general, carers felt well supported out-of-hours, especially by the nursing services. They appreciated opportunities to develop some degree of personal relationship with those they saw out-of-hours. However, in some cases problems were apparent. These were associated with poor provision of information, inadequate communication with carers, difficulties in accessing night-sitter services, or the inflexibility of services. The findings underline the importance of primary care practitioners taking an anticipatory approach to community palliative care.
King
Nigel
N
Primary Care Research Group, School of Human and Health Sciences, University of Huddersfield, Queensgate, Huddersfield HD1 3DH, UK. n.king@hud.ac.uk
Bell
Dennise
D
Thomas
Keri
K
D039602:After-Hours Care / Q000458:organization & administration*; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001294:Attitude to Health; D017028:Caregivers / Q000523:psychology*; D003153:Community Health Services / Q000458:organization & administration*; D003419:Crisis Intervention / Q000458:organization & administration; D005190:Family / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006297:Health Services Accessibility / Q000458:organization & administration; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D020380:Needs Assessment; D015404:Nursing Methodology Research; D010166:Palliative Care / Q000458:organization & administration*; D015397:Program Evaluation; D036301:Qualitative Research; D011787:Quality of Health Care; D012944:Social Support; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013997:Time Factors; D006113:United Kingdom