Abstract
BackgroundIn order to meet the challenges of caring for an injured person, caregivers need access to health information. However, caregivers often feel that they lack adequate information. Previous studies of caregivers have primarily focused on either their time and emotional burdens or their health outcomes, but the information needs of caregivers have not been thoroughly investigated.ObjectiveThe purpose of this investigation was to identify the preferred sources of health information for caregivers supporting individuals with injuries and to explore how access to this information could be improved.MethodsA total of 32 caregivers participated in semistructured interviews, which were used in order to develop a more in-depth understanding of these caregivers’ information needs. Digital audio recordings of the interviews were used for analysis purposes. These audio recordings were analyzed using a thematic analysis or qualitative content analysis. All of participant’s interviews were then coded using the qualitative analysis program, Nvivo 10 for Mac (QSR International).ResultsThe caregivers endorsed similar behaviors and preferences when seeking and accessing health information. Medical professionals were the preferred source of information, while ease of access made the Internet the most common avenue to obtain information. The challenges faced by participants were frequently a result of limited support. In describing an ideal health system, participants expressed interest in a comprehensive care website offering support network resources, instructive services about the injury and caregiving, and injury-specific materials.ConclusionsAccording to the participants, an ideal health information system would include a comprehensive care website that offered supportive network resources, instructive services about the injury and caregiving, and materials specific to the type of patient injury.
Highlights
IntroductionThe interplay of these trends leads to the logical conclusion that there is a large and growing elderly population with demanding care needs that extend for many years
The aging of the baby boomer generation is rapidly changing the age profile of the United States
Between the years of 2000 and 2030, the number of Americans over 65 will more than double, increasing from 35.1 million in 2000 (12.4 percent of the population) to 71.5 million in 2030 (19.6 percent of the population).[1]. This group will be increasingly burdened by chronic disease that can be physically disabling.[2]
Summary
The interplay of these trends leads to the logical conclusion that there is a large and growing elderly population with demanding care needs that extend for many years
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