Participants' experiences of a support group intervention for family members during ongoing palliative home care.
The aim of this study was to describe family members' experiences of participation in a support group intervention during ongoing palliative home care. Four taped-recorded focus group interviews were conducted (in total, 13 persons) and a questionnaire was completed by 19 of 22 possible family members. The participants experienced increased perception of support and knowledge, and would recommend that a person in a similar situation join a support group. Categories that emerged in the qualitative content analysis concerned "reasons for support group participation", "group composition contributed to group cohesion", "experience and sensitivity of group leader was a catalyst", "meaningful dialogue helped to solve everyday problems", "sense of cohesion increased effectiveness of the group", and "group sessions and post-session reflection increased perception of inner strength". Support groups for family members seem to be a valuable contribution during ongoing palliative home care. The findings are discussed in relation to recruitment into and ending of support groups.
Division of Geriatrics, Faculty of Health Sciences, Linköping University, Sweden.
Anna
A
Milberg
Kristina
K
Rydstrand
Lena
L
Helander
Maria
M
Friedrichsen
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001294:Attitude to Health; D017281:Cost of Illness; D005069:Evaluation Studies as Topic; D005190:Family / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D017144:Focus Groups; D006117:Grief; D006126:Group Processes; D006699:Home Care Services / Q000458:organization & administration*; D006801:Humans; D007857:Leadership; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000523:psychology; D015404:Nursing Methodology Research; D010166:Palliative Care / Q000458:organization & administration* / Q000523:psychology; D010348:Patient Care Team / Q000458:organization & administration*; D011368:Professional-Family Relations; D012657:Self-Help Groups / Q000458:organization & administration*; D012944:Social Support; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013548:Sweden