The caring experiences of family caregivers of stroke survivors in different phases based on "Timing It Tight" framework: a qualitative study

Abstract

Objective To discuss the psychology, education, and support needs of experiences of family caregivers of stroke survivors in different phases based on Timing It Right framework, and summarize the caregivers’ needs in different phases in order to direct future nursing work. Methods Sixty family caregivers of stroke survivors in different phases participated in the non-structure interviews. Data was analyzed in Colaizzi's phenomenological procedure. Results Based on Timing It Right framework, six different phases of the caring experiences of stroke survivors were summarized, which were: (1) diagnosis; (2) acute/treatment; (3) stabilization; (4) preparation; (5) transition; (6) adaptation. The family caregivers of stroke survivors encountered more negative psychological emotion in the diagnosis period, more safety concerns in the acute period, the insufficiency of support information and knowledge in the stabilization period, the sense of helplessness in the discharge preparation period, the insufficiency of confidence in home care in the implementation period after discharge, and the positive engagement in the adaptation period respectively. Conclusions The family caregivers' feelings and support needs are changing in different phases of stroke across the care continuum. According to changing emotions, information and support requirements of family caregivers, medical staff should provide more scientific and effective interventions to enhance the physiological function and wellbeing of stroke survivors and the life quality of family members who take on the caregiving role across the care continuum in the home, so the hospital-community-family ternary linkage continuity of care will be accomplished. Key words: Timing It Tight; Stroke; Family caregivers; Caring experiences