title: Qualitative evaluation of a problem-solving intervention for informal hospice caregivers.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Informal hospice caregivers may experience compromised well-being as a result of significant stress. Although quite limited, problem-solving interventions with this population have garnered empirical support for improved caregiver well-being.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  Researchers sought to answer the following question: which specific intervention processes impacted informal hospice caregivers who participated in a problem-solving intervention?
  
  
  METHODS
  Researchers conducted a thematic analysis of open-ended exit interviews with informal hospice caregivers who had participated in a structured problem-solving intervention.
  
  
  METHODS
  Participants were friends and family members who provided unpaid care for a home hospice patient receiving services from one of two hospice agencies located in the Pacific Northwest region of the United States.
  
  
  RESULTS
  During their participation in the problem-solving intervention, caregivers actively reflected on caregiving, structured problem-solving efforts, partnered with interventionists, resolved problems, and gained confidence and control.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The study findings provide much needed depth to the field's understanding of problem-solving interventions for informal hospice caregivers and can be used to enhance existing support services.
authors.affiliation: Kent School of Social Work, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, USA. karla.washington@louisville.edu
authors.forename: Karla T
authors.initials: KT
authors.lastname: Washington
authors.forename: George
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Demiris
authors.forename: Debra
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Parker Oliver
authors.forename: Elaine
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Wittenberg-Lyles
authors.forename: Edith
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Crumb
mesh_terms: D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D017028:Caregivers / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D017051:Hospice Care / Q000523:psychology*; D006738:Hospices / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010166:Palliative Care / Q000379:methods*; D011340:Problem Solving
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