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.
Milberg
Anna
A
Division of Geriatrics, Faculty of Health Sciences, Linköping University, Sweden.
Rydstrand
Kristina
K
Helander
Lena
L
Friedrichsen
Maria
M
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