Hudson, P.L., Trauer, T., Lobb, E., Zordan, R., Williams, A., Quinn, K., . . . Thomas, K. (2012). Supporting family caregivers of hospitalised palliative care patients: A psychoeducational group intervention. BMJ Supportive and Palliative Care, 2, 115–120.
To examine the effectiveness of an inpatient group psychoeducational intervention for caregivers of patients receiving inpatient palliative care
Five education group sessions were delivered using a standardized method, the components and conduct of which were developed by authors in the pilot study that preceded the current study. Each was 90 minutes, and they focused on five topics: what palliative care is, the typical role of family caregivers (CGs), available support services to help CGs, preparing for the future, and self-care strategies for CGs. Caregivers were also given the opportunity to arrange individual meetings with designated multidisciplinary team members based on their needs. CGs were referred formally to family meetings if needed.
Pre-/postdesign
The educational intervention showed a small to moderate effect on reducing CGs' unmet needs and improved their sense of preparedness. The intervention did not affect CGs’ competence, although a trend of improvement was observed. The intervention did not improve CGs’ psychological well-being (secondary outcome—intervention was not geared to improve psychological well-being).
Educational interventions improved CGs' sense of preparedness and decreased their sense of unmet needs. They may help improve CGs’ competence.