Part 1: Home-based family caregiving at the end of life: a comprehensive review of published quantitative research (1998-2008).
The changing context of palliative care over the last decade highlights the importance of recent research on home-based family caregiving at the end of life. This article reports on a comprehensive review of quantitative research (1998-2008) in this area, utilizing a systematic approach targeting studies on family caregivers, home settings, and an identified palliative phase of care (n = 129). Methodological challenges were identified, including: small, non-random, convenience samples; reliance on descriptive and bivariate analyses; and a dearth of longitudinal research. Robust evidence regarding causal relationships between predictor variables and carer outcomes is lacking. Findings suggest the need for knowledge regarding: family caregiving for patients with non-malignant terminal conditions; whether needs and outcomes differ between family caregivers at the end of life and comparison groups; and caregiver outcomes in bereavement. Clear definitions of 'family caregiving', 'end of life', and 'needs' are required as well as greater application and testing of theoretical and conceptual explanations.
Stajduhar
Ki
K
School of Nursing, University of Victoria, British Columbia, Canada, Centre on Aging, University of Victoria, British Columbia, Canada. kis@uvic.ca
Funk
L
L
Toye
C
C
Grande
Ge
G
Aoun
S
S
Todd
Cj
C
D001601:Bereavement; D017028:Caregivers / Q000523:psychology; D005069:Evaluation Studies as Topic; D006699:Home Care Services / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006701:Home Nursing / Q000523:psychology*; D020380:Needs Assessment / Q000458:organization & administration / Q000592:standards; D013315:Stress, Psychological; D013727:Terminal Care; D019452:Terminally Ill