Caregivers Of Inpatients Research Articles

Experience of Family Caregivers in Long-Term Care Hospitals During the Early Stages of COVID-19: A Phenomenological Analysis.

This study investigated the experiences of inpatient family caregivers who experienced restrictions in meeting their family members owing to the changed visitation guidelines of long-term care hospitals during the early stages of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). We aimed to deepen our understanding of the nature of these caregivers' experiences. The participants were family caregivers of patients in long-term care hospitals during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic. We collected data from nine inpatient caregivers from April to July 2021. Individual interviews and data were analyzed using Colaizzi's phenomenological method. Participants' experiences were classified into the following three themes: (1) a prison-like long-term care hospital bound by strict COVID-19 prevention rules; (2) growing affection for unreachable parents; and (3) adaptation to a new, safer daily life. Participants had difficulty communicating with their families living under quarantine conditions during COVID-19 due to non-face-to-face situations. However, amid the long-term COVID-19 situation, participants overcame these challenges through efforts to facilitate communication. The results of this study can be used as basic data to support the smooth communication between patients and caregivers in long-term care hospitals in the event of an infectious disease outbreak in the future, to alleviate emotional stress, and to minimize the weakening of families.

Impact of an Inpatient Social Needs Screening Program: Did Our Referral Resolve Your Need?

To evaluate the effectiveness of social resource referrals after social needs screening among caregivers of pediatric inpatients by assessing (1) the rates of resource connection, (2) caregiver perception of resource helpfulness, (3) barriers to connection, and (4) resolution of needs. We conducted a cross-sectional survey of families discharged from our pediatric inpatient floor between October 2021 and June 2022 who had screened positive for unmet social needs and received a referral to at least 1 community resource during their hospitalization. We surveyed caregivers by telephone 1 month to 1 year post-intervention, inquiring about their perception of and experience with referrals. We compared responses across groups using χ2 tests. Multivariable logistic regression was used to predict the likelihood of resource connection based on race, ethnicity, language, and insurance type. Of 361 families that screened positive for social needs and received a referral, 219 (61%) completed surveys. A total of 50.2% (110/219) of caregivers connected to at least 1 community resource, and 30.6% (67/219) connected to all referrals. Of 515 referrals, 315 (61.2%) did not result in resource connection. The most frequent barrier was families not recalling receiving the referral (44.8%, 141/315). Of 200 referrals that resulted in resource connection, 152 (76%) were helpful and 120 (60%) resolved the need. Non-Hispanic or Latino ethnicity predicted connection to resources. Screening hospitalized children for social needs can result in meaningful resource connections. In our population, language, race, and insurance did not impact connection to resources. However, two-thirds of referrals did not result in resource connection.

Analysis on the cooperation between nurses and caregivers of elderly inpatients and its influencing factors

Analysis on the cooperation between nurses and caregivers of elderly inpatients and its influencing factors

Effects of the Internet-based rehabilitation information sharing program on psychological stress of family caregivers of inpatients: A non-randomized controlled study.

The psychological impact of Internet-based rehabilitation information provision on family caregivers of inpatients has not yet been investigated. This study investigated the impact of the Internet-based rehabilitation information sharing program on anxiety and depression among family caregivers of inpatients. Participants were patients admitted to a rehabilitation hospital and their families. The Internet and Communication Technology (ICT) group received weekly reports with photos and videos showing rehabilitation progress and patients' activities of daily living, whereas the control group received only conventional care. The primary outcomes were the anxiety and depression scores of family caregivers, assessed at admission, discharge, and 1 month after discharge. Eighty-three participants were followed up (ICT group, n = 43; control group, n = 40). To minimize the impact of confounding factors, propensity-score matching was performed. Significant effects on anxiety (P = .03) and depression (P = .049) were found in the ICT group compared with the control group. The median difference in anxiety scores from discharge to 1 month post-discharge was -1.0 (interquartile range [IQR]: -2.0 to 0.8) in the ICT group versus 1.0 (IQR: -1.0 to 2.0) in the control group. The median difference in depression scores from admission to discharge was 0.5 (IQR: -1.0 to 2.8) in the ICT group and 2.0 (IQR: 1.0-3.8) in the control group. The Internet-based rehabilitation information sharing program may help reduce the family caregivers' psychological stress, enabling improved patient care.

Experiences of formal caregivers of elderly inpatients with physical disabilities in China: a qualitative study

AimTo explore the views and experiences of formal caregivers caring for older inpatients with physical disabilities.MethodsIt was a qualitative phenomenological study. Using purposive sampling, twelve formal caregivers were chosen in a tertiary comprehensive hospital in Hangzhou, China. Semi-structured, face-to-face interviews were conducted, guided by open-ended questions that focused on gaining rich insights into participants’ views and experiences. Coding reliability thematic analysis was used to guide data analysis and categorize, based on Lazarus and Folkman’s theory of transactional coping.ResultsFour themes emerged from the data analysis: (1) Caregiving Threats. (2) motivations. (3) Responsibility Management. (4) Fear.ConclusionDespite facing significant pressure at work, formal caregivers of elderly inpatients with physical disabilities possess the drive and various coping strategies to excel in their role. Identifying caregivers’ experiences of care can be helpful in improving resilience to stress and maintaining stability in formal caregivers.

Developing a conceptual model for understanding caregiving experience and their impacts on quality of life for Chinese breast cancer family caregivers: A qualitative study.

The purpose of this study was to understand the caregiving experiences of breast cancer family caregivers and explore the profound impacts of those experiences on their quality of life. A qualitative research method was used. We extended invitations to 23 family caregivers of outpatients and inpatients receiving breast surgery and oncology treatments in Taiyuan, China, to participate in semi-structured interviews. The interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. Thematic analysis was employed to analyse the interview data. Four themes and associated categories were identified: (1) changes in family dynamics, (2) the socio-medical context, (3) interactions between family and society, (4) self-efficacy and nine subthemes and their related categories, where virtually all participants expressed future uncertainty, emotional contagion, and personal challenges, and self-efficacy had a moderating influence on the first three themes. This study did not involve direct participation of patients or the public. However, their experiences and perspectives on caregiving were indirectly reflected through the insights provided by the family caregivers who participated in the interviews. Their valuable input contributed to a deeper understanding of the caregiving experience and its impact on the quality of life for Chinese breast cancer family caregivers.

The effect of mindfulness-based compassionate living training for informal caregivers of palliative inpatients on burnout and caregiving burden: a randomized controlled trial.

This study was conducted to determine the effect of Mindfulness-Based Compassionate Living (MBCL) training given to the informal caregivers of palliative patients on burnout and caregiving burden. A single-blind, randomized, controlled, experimental study was conducted with 54 caregivers of patients admitted to a hospital palliative care unit. The participants were randomly allocated to the experimental group (n = 26) and control group (n = 28). The experimental group received MBCL training twice a week for 4 weeks. Data were collected before and after the intervention using the Maslach Burnout Inventory, Caregiver Burden Scale and Self-Compassion Scale-Short Form. The data were analyzed using kurtosis and skewness coefficients, number, percentage, mean, standard deviation, chi-square test, independent samples t test, Wilcoxon signed ranks test and Mann-Whitney U test in SPSS version 22.0. The informal caregivers in the experimental group demonstrated a significant decrease in emotional exhaustion and depersonalization scores and an increase in personal accomplishment and self-compassion scores in posttest assessments after the MBCL intervention (P < 0.05). All of these parameters differed significantly between the experimental and control groups after the intervention (P < 0.05). MBCL training seems to be effective in reducing emotional exhaustion and depersonalization and increasing personal accomplishment and self-compassion among informal caregivers of palliative inpatients. The results of this study can be generalized to the caretakers of patients receiving palliative care in university hospitals.

Hunger in the Hospital: Assessing Inpatient Caregiver Food Insecurity and a Program to Address It.

Existing literature reveals poor access to affordable, nutritious food in hospitals. Ronald McDonald House Charities Bay Area runs a meal program to address in-hospital caregiver food insecurity, but the program has not been studied. We assessed how the meal program is affecting caregivers and opportunities to improve the program.

A Study to Assess the Effectiveness of Tai-chi Exercise on Level of Stress regarding the Impact of Covid-19 among Caregivers of In-patients of selected Wards at Jubilee Mission College and research Institute, Thrissur

Stress describes a person's physical or emotional response to the demands or pressures of daily life. Common causes of stress include work, money, relationships and illness. Significant events like the Covid-19 pandemic can also increase stress and anxiety. Corona virus disease (COVID-19) is an infectious disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Corona viruses are a large family of viruses that are known to cause illness ranging from the common cold to more severe diseases such as Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS). Tai Chi is a Chinese martial art and it consists of smooth continuous movements like Chinese dance along with mental concentration and deep breathing. Tai Chi will help to reduce the stress of daily life due to different reasons. The present study is aimed to assess the effectiveness of Tai Chi exercise on level of stress regarding the Impact of Covid-19 among caregivers of in-patients of selected wards at JMMC &amp;RI, Thrissur. Objectives: To assess the level of stress regarding the impact of Covid-19 before and after Tai Chi exercise among caregivers of in-patients, to associate the pretest level of stress with selected socio-demographic and clinical data variables. Methodology: Quantitative research study was conducted to identify the effectiveness of Tai Chi exercise on level of stress regarding the impact of Covid-19 among caregivers of in-patients of selected wards at JMMC &amp; RI, Thrissur. One group pretest post test research design was selected for the study. There were 40 samples selected by convenience sampling technique. The subject was recruited for the study based on the predetermined inclusion and exclusion criteria. Informed consent was taken from the samples and the objectives and purpose of the study were explained. The data collected have 2 sections, in which section A includes socio-demographic &amp; clinical data such as Age, Gender, Place, Educational status, Occupation, Marital Status, Socioeconomic status, History of any illness. Section B was perceived stress scale is a standardized scale which consists of 10 questions for measuring the perception of stress. Individual scoring on PSS can range from 0- 40 with higher scores indicating higher perceived stress. The score 26-40 is considered as High perceived stress, 14-26 belongs to Moderate stress and 0-13 belongs to low stress. Result and interpretation: Result shows majority of the subjects about 14(35%) belongs to the age group of 35-45 years, 25(62.5%) were females, 30(75%) from rural area, 14 (35%) have secondary education, 17(42.5%) were unemployed, 30(75%) were married and 18(45%) were having income between 11000-15000. About 5 (12.5%) has history of Covid-19 infection. By using perceived stress scale to assess the level of stress regarding the impact of Covid-19, we found that in pretest majority of the caregivers have about 34 (85%) had moderate stress 6(15%) had high stress. In post test 39(99%) had low stress and 1(1%) had moderate stress. There was no association between pretest level of stress with selected socio-demographic and clinical data variables.

Prevalence of insomnia and its association with quality of life in caregivers of psychiatric inpatients during the COVID-19 pandemic: a network analysis

BackgroundStudies on sleep problems among caregivers of psychiatric patients, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, are limited. This study examined the prevalence and correlates of insomnia symptoms (insomnia hereafter) among caregivers of psychiatric inpatients during the COVID-19 pandemic as well as the association with quality of life (QoL) from a network analysis perspective.MethodsA multi-center cross-sectional study was conducted on caregivers of inpatients across seven tertiary psychiatric hospitals and psychiatric units of general hospitals. Network analysis explored the structure of insomnia using the R program. The centrality index of “Expected influence” was used to identify central symptoms in the network, and the “flow” function was adopted to identify specific symptoms that were directly associated with QoL.ResultsA total of 1,101 caregivers were included. The overall prevalence of insomnia was 18.9% (n = 208; 95% CI = 16.7–21.3%). Severe depressive (OR = 1.185; P < 0.001) and anxiety symptoms (OR = 1.099; P = 0.003), and severe fatigue (OR = 1.320; P < 0.001) were associated with more severe insomnia. The most central nodes included ISI2 (“Sleep maintenance”), ISI7 (“Distress caused by the sleep difficulties”) and ISI1 (“Severity of sleep onset”), while “Sleep dissatisfaction” (ISI4), “Distress caused by the sleep difficulties” (ISI7) and “Interference with daytime functioning” (ISI5) had the strongest negative associations with QoL.ConclusionThe insomnia prevalence was high among caregivers of psychiatric inpatients during the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly in those with depression, anxiety and fatigue. Considering the negative impact of insomnia on QoL, effective interventions that address insomnia and alteration of sleep dissatisfaction should be developed.

Depression and anxiety among caregivers of psychiatric patients during the late stage of the COVID-19 pandemic: A perspective from network analysis

BackgroundDepressive and anxiety symptoms (depression and anxiety hereafter) are common among psychiatric patients and their caregivers during the COVID-19 pandemic. Network analysis is a novel method to assess the associations between psychiatric syndromes/disorders at the symptom level. This study examined depression and anxiety among caregivers of psychiatric inpatients during the late stage of the COVID-19 pandemic from the perspective of network analysis. MethodsA total of 1101 caregivers of psychiatric inpatients were included in this study. The severity of depression was assessed using the nine-item Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), while anxiety was assessed with the seven-item Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale (GAD-7). The expected index (EI) and bridge EI index were used to identify the central and bridge symptoms, respectively. The stability of the network was evaluated via a case-dropping bootstrap procedure. ResultsThe prevalence of depression and anxiety were 32.4 % (95%CI: 29.7 %–35.3 %) and 28.0 % (95%CI: 25.4 %–30.7 %), respectively while the prevalence of comorbid depression and anxiety was 24.9 % (95%CI: 22.4 %–27.6 %). The most central symptom was “Fatigue”, followed by “Trouble Relaxing” and “Restlessness”. The highest bridge symptom was “Restlessness”, followed by “Uncontrollable worry” and “Suicide ideation”. The bootstrap test indicated that the whole network model was stable, and no network difference was detected between genders and between different education levels. ConclusionsDepression, anxiety, and comorbid depression and anxiety were common among caregivers of psychiatric inpatients during the late stage of the COVID-19 pandemic. Central and bridge symptoms identified in this network analysis should be considered key target symptoms to address in caregivers of patients.

Family Caregiver Experiences in the Inpatient and Outpatient Reduced-Intensity Conditioning Allogeneic Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation Settings: A Qualitative Study

Caregivers (ie, family and friends) are essential in providing care and support for patients undergoing hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) and throughout their recovery. Traditionally delivered in the hospital, HCT is being increasingly provided in the outpatient setting, potentially heightening the burden on caregivers. Extensive work has examined the inpatient HCT caregiving experience, yet little is known about how caregiver experiences may differ based on whether the HCT was delivered on an inpatient or outpatient basis, particularly during the acute recovery period post-HCT. This study explored the similarities and differences in caregiver experiences in the inpatient and outpatient settings during the early recovery from reduced-intensity conditioning (RIC) allogeneic HCT. We conducted semistructured interviews (n = 15) with caregivers of adults undergoing RIC allogeneic HCT as either an inpatient (n = 7) or an outpatient (n = 8). We recruited caregivers using purposeful criterion sampling, based on the HCT setting, until thematic saturation occurred. Interview recordings were transcribed and coded through thematic analysis using Dedoose v.9.0. The study analysis was guided by the transactional model of stress and coping and the model of adaptation of family caregivers during the acute phase of BMT. Three themes emerged to describe similar experiences for HCT caregivers regardless of setting: (1) caregivers reported feeling like they were a necessary yet invisible part of the care team; (2) caregivers described learning to adapt to changing situations and varying patient needs; and (3) caregivers recounted how the uncertainty following HCT felt like existing between life and death while also maintaining a sense of gratitude and hope for the future. Caregivers also reported distinct experiences based on the transplantation setting and 4 themes emerged: (1) disrupted routines: inpatient caregivers reported disrupted routines when caring for the HCT recipient while simultaneously trying to manage non-caregiving responsibilities at home and work, and outpatient caregivers reported having to establish new routines that included frequent clinic visits with the patient while altering or pausing home and work responsibilities; (2) timing of caregiver involvement: inpatient caregivers felt more involved in care after the patient was discharged from the HCT hospitalization, whereas outpatient caregivers were already providing the majority of care earlier in the post-transplantation period; (3) fear of missing vital information: inpatient caregivers worried about missing vital information about the patient's care and progress if not physically present in the hospital, whereas outpatient caregivers feared overlooking vital information that may warrant contacting the care team as they monitored the patient at home; and (4) perceived adequacy of resources to meet psychosocial and practical needs: inpatient caregivers reported having adequate access to resources (ie, hospital-based services), whereas outpatient caregivers felt they had more limited access and needed to be resourceful in seeking out assistance. Inpatient and outpatient HCT caregivers described both similar and distinct experiences during the acute recovery period post-HCT. Specific interventions should address caregiver psychosocial needs (ie, distress, illness uncertainty, communication, and coping) and practical needs (ie, community resource referral, preparedness for home-based caregiving, and transplantation education) of HCT caregivers based on setting.

Effectiveness of Cognitive Behavior Therapy on Depression and Quality of Life in Spouse Caregivers of Inpatients With Substance Use Disorders

Background: Substance dependence in families can have a wide range of negative effects on the lives of those close to the dependent person, in addition to causing pain to the dependent person. The present study aims to investigate the effect of cognitive behavioural intervention on depression and quality of life (QoL) in wives who cared for husbands with substance use disorders. Methods: The research was conducted using a quasi-experimental design with pre- and post-tests. Purposive sampling was used to select 60 spouse carers of male inpatients with substance use disorders, who were randomly assigned to the intervention (n=30) and control (n=30) groups. At baseline and post-intervention, all participants completed the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS-21) and the World Health Organization Quality of Life-Bref (WHO QoL-BREF). The intervention group received eight sessions per week of individual cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for 45 to 60 minutes, while the control group did not. Data were analyzed using multivariate analysis of covariance (MANCOVA) in SPSS software, version 26. In statistical tests, the significance level was 0.05. Results: The results showed significant differences between the pre-test and post-test scores of the experimental group; therefore cognitive behavior intervention can significantly reduce depression and improve the QoL of substance dependent’s wife. Conclusion: These results have crucial implications for clinical practice in terms of improving mental health and well-being in the context of male substance use disorder spouse caregivers.

Involvement, depressive symptoms, and their associations with problems and unmet needs in caregivers of adult eating disorder patients

PurposeThis study aimed to examine the most important problems and needs caregivers of adult inpatients with eating disorders (EDs) are confronted with in their everyday lives. A further aim was to investigate the associations between problems, needs, involvement, and depression in carers.MethodsFifty-five caregivers of inpatients with EDs (26 anorexia nervosa, 29 bulimia nervosa) completed the Carers' Needs Assessment, Beck Depression Inventory, and the Involvement Evaluation Questionnaire. The relationships between variables were tested via multiple linear regressions and mediation analyses.ResultsThe most frequent problem reported by caregivers was a lack of information about the course and treatment of the illness and consequent disappointment, whereas their most frequently reported needs were different forms of information and counselling. Problems, unmet needs, and worrying were especially high in parents compared to other caregivers. Involvement mediated significantly between problems (b = 0.26, BCa CI [0.03, 0.49]) as well as unmet needs (b = 0.32, BCa CI [0.03, 0.59]) of caregivers and their depressive symptoms.ConclusionOur findings underline the importance of including the problems and needs of caregivers of adult eating disorder patients in the planning of family and community interventions, to support their mental health.Level of evidenceLevel III: Evidence obtained from cohort or case–control analytic studies.

Determinants of quality of life in primary family caregivers of patients with advanced cancer: a comparative study in southern China.

To examine and compare the quality of life (QoL) of the primary family caregivers (PFCs) of inpatients with advanced cancer and the PFCs of home hospice patients with advanced cancer and to analyze the determinants of QoL. Four hospices and three comprehensive or tumor hospitals in Guangdong Province, China were research sites. QoL was measured using paper-based and online questionnaires. Multiple stepwise linear regression was used to analyze the determinants of QoL of PFCs. The PFCs of inpatients had significantly better QoL than did the PFCs of home hospice patients (p < 0.01). One-way ANOVA results indicated the following: for the PFCs of inpatients, PFC age (t = 2.411, p < 0.05), type of relationship with patient (F = 2.985, p < 0.05), and family economic situation (F = 3.423, p < 0.05) significantly affected PFCs' QoL; for the PFCs of home hospice patients, family economic situation (F = 3.757, p < 0.05) and care experience (t = 2.021, p < 0.05) significantly affected PFCs' QoL. A multiple stepwise linear regression was conducted: for the PFCs of inpatients, family economic situation and whether the PFC was the patient's immediate family member were included as predictors of QoL; for the PFCs of home hospice patients, family economic situation and care experience were included as predictors of QoL. Our findings can help improve the home hospice care service model in mainland China. In particular, the QoL of the PFCs of home hospice patients requires urgent attention. The PFCs of home hospice patients requires more nursing guidance and interactions with community.

Caregiving in a tertiary health institution in North Central Nigeria: Support types and financial burden.

Caregivers play an important role in informal patient management. Identification of the support types and the financial challenges faced by caregivers will provide information on strategies to ease this burden. This study aimed to describe the support types and financial burden amongst caregivers in a tertiary hospital in North Central Nigeria. This was a cross-sectional study conducted amongst caregivers of inpatients in a tertiary hospital in North Central Nigeria. Data were collected using a pre-tested interviewer-administered questionnaire and were analysed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences package version 23. Results were reported in frequencies and proportions and presented in prose, tables and charts. A total of 400 caregivers were recruited. The mean age was 38.32 ± 12.82 years and most (66.0%) were females. Caregivers supported their patients by running errands (96.3%) and 85.3% reported caregiving as stressful. The reported errands were purchase of medications (92.3%), supply of non-medical needs (63.3%), submission of laboratory samples and collection of results (52.3%) and service payment (47.5%). About two-thirds (63.2%) reported loss of income while caregiving and about half (50.8%) provided financial support to the patients. This study suggests that majority of caregivers experience significant physical and financial burden while caregiving. This burden can be eased off by the simplification of payment and laboratory processes and employment of more staff to support patients admitted to the wards. The financial burden experienced by caregivers reinforces the need to encourage more Nigerians to enrol in a health insurance scheme.

Relationship between traits and sleep quality of hospitalized elderly patients and sleep quality of family caregivers.

To understand whether the sleep quality of the caregivers of elderly inpatients is associated with their own characteristics and with the characteristics or sleep quality of the elderly inpatients. A cross-sectional study design that recruited participants from September to December 2020 was adopted, in which 106 pairs of elderly inpatients and caregivers were recruited. Data collected from the elderly inpatients included demographic characteristics as well as the numerical rating scale (NRS) score, Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI), Geriatric Depression Scale Short Form (GDS-SF) score, and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). Caregiver data included demographic characteristics and PSQI. In the regression analysis of caregiver characteristics and caregiver sleep quality, only caregiver age and the relationship between caregiver and inpatient (other vs. spouse) were correlated with caregiver sleep quality. In the regression analysis of elderly inpatient characteristics, caregiver characteristics, and caregiver sleep quality, only the PSQI of elderly inpatients and the relationship between caregiver and inpatient (other vs. spouse) were correlated with caregiver sleep quality. Poor caregiver sleep quality was more likely to manifest when the elderly inpatients had poor sleep quality, when the caregivers themselves were older, and when the caregiver was the inpatient's spouse.

Implementing caregiver management measures in general hospitals to prevent the COVID-19 pandemic.

To summarize the whole process management measures for caregivers of inpatients in a non-new coronavirus pneumonia designated hospital in China during the novel coronavirus pneumonia epidemic. The implementation of these measures is mainly to prevent the virus pandemic caused by crowd gathering. A quasi-experimental study. Novel coronavirus pneumonia prevention and control measures were implemented in the 'pre-hospital link, hospitalization link and discharge link' for the whole process of the hospitalized patients' caregivers. To evaluate the effects by time point inspection, the results were fed back using information technology for quality improvement. The results of three time point inspections indicated that the management quality of many projects improved continuously (p < 0.05). From January to June of 2021, 20 departments implemented a facial recognition information management system. The ratio of patients/caregivers admitted was 1:0.528~1:0.965; It was found that it is effective to implement the whole process management measures. The facial recognition system plays a key role in the comprehensive management of the caregivers.

Patient isolation during Sars-CoV-2 pandemic: the caregivers' experience in a neuro-rehabilitation unit

During the Covid-19 pandemic, caregiver visits were suspended in many health care facilities and, even today, limitations remain. These restrictions have impacted not only the patients but also caregivers. To explore the life experience of caregivers of hospitalized patients, during the pandemic and the impact of visit limitations in a rehabilitation unit. An exploratory qualitative study was conducted, following the COREQ guidelines. Caregivers of inpatients were purposefully sampled and interviewed, until data saturation. A qualitative thematic analysis with an inductive approach was performed. Fifteen caregivers were interviewed. The themes emerged were: 1. perception of the illness as a sudden change; 2. concerns for their loved one (i.e. the loneliness or the suffering); 3. critical (difficult to organize and perceived too short) and positive aspects of the visits; 4. barriers to communication (for example, masks when in presence; or the difficult use of technologies by elders); 5. patient's protection and support (thinking that the relative's presence may improve the rehabilitation); 6. emotions (from discouragement when visits were not allowed, to joy when meeting their loved one). Caregivers experienced uncertainty, worry, anxiety, fear, and lack of understanding of their loved one's clinical situation. Alternatives to the visits or the visits with physical barriers were helpful but not always effective.

Effectiveness of an Uncertainty Management Psychoeducation Program for Schizophrenia Caregivers: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

The inconsistent course of schizophrenia causes a long-term experience of uncertainty for individuals and their families. In Turkey, no studies yet exist that have attempted to address this constant uncertainty that is experienced by caregivers of schizophrenic patients. To evaluate the effects of the Uncertainty Management Psychoeducation Program on reducing uncertainty and intolerance to uncertainty, improving psychological well-being, and coping styles in caregivers of patients with schizophrenia. Single-blinded randomized controlled trial. Caregivers of schizophrenia inpatients were recruited from the psychiatry clinic of a university-affiliated hospital. Data were collected between April 2019 and August 2020. Eligible individuals were randomly allocated to one of the two groups: intervention or control. The intervention group had five individual psychoeducation sessions: "Recognizing Uncertainty," "Cognitively Reframing Uncertainty," "Solving Uncertainty-Related Issues," "Dealing with Uncertainty Using Communication Skills," and the "Closing Session." Participants in the control group received the usual care. Uncertainty, intolerance to uncertainty, psychological well-being, and stress coping strategies were measured at two points: at baseline and immediately following the intervention. Hypotheses were tested using the Mann-Whitney U and Wilcoxon tests. A total of 54 participants were recruited. The intervention group's ratings for "seeking social support" and "optimistic approach" were higher than the control group's ratings. Significant within-group changes in terms of "uncertainty" and "optimistic approach" were reported for the intervention group in the post-intervention. In the control group, significant changes were seen in terms of "uncertainty" and "psychological well-being" over time. The Uncertainty Management Psychoeducation Program was found to be effective in reducing the level of uncertainty, increasing their optimistic approach, and seeking social support of caregivers of schizophrenic patients.