title: What family caregivers learn when providing care at the end of life: a qualitative secondary analysis of multiple datasets.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Although growing numbers of family members provide end-of-life care for dying persons, caregivers frequently report lacking essential information, knowledge, and skills. This analysis explicates what family members learn during the process of providing end-of-life care.
  
  
  METHODS
  Four qualitative interview studies of family caregivers to those at the end of life (n = 156) formed the basis of a secondary data analysis.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Thematic and cross-comparative analyses found three general kinds of learning that were described-knowledge about: (1) the situation and the illness (including what to expect), (2) how to provide care, and (3) how to access help. Learning gaps, preferences, and potential inequities were identified. Further, in some instances, participant talk about "learning" appears to reflect a meaning-making process that helps them accept their situation, as suggested by the phrase "I have had to learn."
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Findings can inform the development of individualized educational programs and interventions for family caregivers.
authors: Department of Sociology,University of Manitoba,Winnipeg,Manitoba,Canada.
authors: Laura M
authors: LM
authors: Funk
authors: School of Nursing and Centre on Aging,University of Victoria,Victoria,British Columbia,Canada.
authors: Kelli I
authors: KI
authors: Stajduhar
authors: Centre on Aging,University of Victoria,Victoria,British Columbia,Canada.
authors: Linda
authors: L
authors: Outcalt
mesh_terms: D017028:Caregivers / Q000193:education* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006801:Humans; D036301:Qualitative Research; D013727:Terminal Care / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*
keywords: Education; End of life; Family caregiving; Palliative care; Qualitative secondary analysis