scholarly journals Explaining Caregivers' Perceptions of Palliative Care Unmet Needs in Iranian Alzheimer's Patients: A Qualitative Study

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hadis Ashrafizadeh ◽  
Mahin Gheibizadeh ◽  
Maryam Rassouli ◽  
Fatemeh Hajibabaee ◽  
Shahnaz Rostami

Introduction: The needs of Alzheimer's patients are very complex and diverse and many of them are considered unmet needs. Understanding and responding to the unmet and complex needs of Alzheimer's patients can affect the quality of care. Therefore, the present study aimed to explain the perception of formal and informal caregivers of the unmet needs of Iranian Alzheimer's patients.Methods: The present qualitative study employed a Directed Content Analysis approach and was conducted in Iran in 2020. This research was done through in-depth and semi-structured interviews with 19 qualified caregivers enrolled (11 informal caregivers and 8 formal caregivers) with the mean age of 46.05 ± 10.98 years in a purposive sampling method. Interviews continued until data saturation. Data analysis was performed simultaneously with data collection. After recording and transcribing, the data were analyzed using the Elo and Kyngas method based on the National Consensus Project framework (NCP). Data management was done with MAXQDA software. In order to achieve the accuracy and validity of the study, the criteria presented by Lincoln and Guba Credibility, Dependability, Confirmability, and Transformability were considered and used.Results: The mean age of participants was 46.05 ± 10.98. Participants in this study acknowledged that Alzheimer's patients need comprehensive needs management with a holistic approach to increase quality of life. This theme based on the NCP framework consists of seven main categories including “Structure and processes of care,” “Physical aspects of care,” “Psychological and psychiatric aspects of care,” “Social aspects of care,” “Cultural aspects of care,” “Care of the patient nearing the end of life,” and “Ethical and legal aspects of care” with 16 subcategories.Conclusion: The findings of this study provide a deep understanding of the unmet needs of Alzheimer's patients in Iran. Identifying the unmet needs of patients can pave the way for the treatment team to provide effective solutions to meet the needs and empower caregivers to provide comprehensive care for patients.

Author(s):  
Anna Lewandowska ◽  
Grzegorz Rudzki ◽  
Tomasz Lewandowski ◽  
Sławomir Rudzki

(1) Background: As the literature analysis shows, cancer patients experience a variety of different needs. Each patient reacts differently to the hardships of the illness. Assessment of needs allows providing more effective support, relevant to every person’s individual experience, and is necessary for setting priorities for resource allocation, for planning and conducting holistic care, i.e., care designed to improve a patient’s quality of life in a significant way. (2) Patients and Methods: A population survey was conducted between 2018 and 2020. Cancer patients, as well as their caregivers, received an invitation to take part in the research, so their problems and needs could be assessed. (3) Results: The study involved 800 patients, 78% women and 22% men. 66% of the subjects were village residents, while 34%—city residents. The mean age of patients was 62 years, SD = 11.8. The patients received proper treatment within the public healthcare. The surveyed group of caregivers was 88% women and 12% men, 36% village residents and 64% city residents. Subjects were averagely 57 years old, SD 7.8. At the time of diagnosis, the subjects most often felt anxiety, despair, depression, feelings of helplessness (46%, 95% CI: 40–48). During illness and treatment, the subjects most often felt fatigued (79%, 95% CI: 70–80). Analysis of needs showed that 93% (95% CI: 89–97) of patients experienced a certain level of need for help in one or more aspects. (4) Conclusions: Patients diagnosed with cancer have a high level of unmet needs, especially in terms of psychological support and medical information. Their caregivers also experience needs and concerns regarding the disease. Caregivers should be made aware of the health consequences of cancer and consider appropriate supportive care for their loved ones.


2021 ◽  
Vol 31 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sogand Tourani ◽  
Narges Rafiei ◽  
Shahnaz Rimaz ◽  
Seyed Kazem Malakouti ◽  
Alireza Heidari

BACKGROUND፡ Recently, one of the challenges in the health system of the country is the need for research contributing to policy-making. Therefore, it is crucial to develop activities in the field of knowledge Translation (KT). This study aimed to propose KT improvement strategies in universities of medical sciences in Iran.METHODS: In this qualitative study, 18 semi-structured interviews were conducted with key informants from the medical universities in Iran during January-July 2018. The transcribed documents were analyzed using the Gale framework analysis approach. Data organization was carried out using MAXQDA version 10 software.RESULTS: According to framework analysis, six KT improvement strategies were identified including improving the abilities and skills of researchers, improving the processes and quality of knowledge production, revising policies and laws, mproving the prerequisites, culture-building, and promoting the, use of evidence.CONCLUSION: Given the challenges and strategies outlined in this study, it seems that the mechanism of KT and its effects on improving health plans for policymakers and researchers has not been elucidated yet. Therefore, considerable changes in prerequisites, knowledge production processes, academic procedures, policies and laws are necessary for implementing KT in universities of medical sciences in Iran. 


2019 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Shakiba Zahed ◽  
Maryam Emami ◽  
Shahrzad Bazargan-Hejazi ◽  
Ahmad Ali Eslami ◽  
Majid Barekatain ◽  
...  

Abstract Background The burden of caring for People with Dementia (PWD) is heavy; identifying incentives that motivate them in providing care is essential in facilitating and optimizing care. This study aims to explore and describe these motivating factors. Methods We conducted this qualitative study between January 2016 and January 2017 in Isfahan, Iran. Data were extracted through in-depth, semi-structured interviews with 19 caregivers of PWD. These data were then examined through thematic content analysis. Results We identified four categories of psychological motives based on the caregivers’ feedback and experience. These include 1) Moral-based motives, 2) Religious, and spiritual motives; 3) Financial motives, and 4) Wicked motives. Conclusions Our results revealed several aspects of caregivers’ motives. They include moral, religious, and spiritual aspects; sharing housing accommodations, and the likelihood of inheriting a portion of the patient’s assets based on unspoken rules and informal arrangements in the family, and wicked and immoral aspects. These findings can inform future efforts in enhancing the experiences of caregivers of PWD, and subsequently, the quality of care these patients receive. It further suggests that family members, members of a religious and spiritual organization, as well as social media, could play important roles in setting the stage.


2016 ◽  
Vol 50 (5) ◽  
pp. 779-784 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gabriele Schek ◽  
Mara Regina Santos da Silva ◽  
Carl Lacharité ◽  
Maria Emilia Nunes Bueno

Abstract OBJECTIVE To identify the conceptions of professionals regarding interfamily violence against children and adolescents. METHOD A qualitative study conducted with 15 professionals who had taken children and adolescents under their care as a result of interfamily violence. Data were collected between November, 2013, and March, 2015, through semi-structured interviews. Data were organized and analyzed using the Textual Discourse Analysis technique. RESULTS The professional discourse highlighted that some legal aspects regarding the handling of interfamily violence against children and adolescents are neglected; an omission supported by the justification of professionals to preserve the family. We highlight the confrontation between the concept of family as a caregiver and the family that commits violence against children, in addition to the positioning of professionals, which does not include the family or the aggressor in the intervention process in facing situations of interfamily violence attended to by the services. CONCLUSION Acting against interfamily violence requires professionals to do away with some pre-established concepts in ordee to put the actual needs of victims and families into evidence.


2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Saeideh Daryazadeh ◽  
Payman Adibi

Background: Morning reports are important training programs (especially for residents) as they enhance clinical decision-making skills, social interactions, and participatory learning. Given the need to eliminate the educational gap and provide optimal conditions, educational interventions regarding morning reports are often implemented in the form of evidence-based morning reports with an interactive and consultative approach. Objectives: The present study aimed to evaluate the quality of evidence-based morning reports using an interactive and consultative approach. Methods: This qualitative study was conducted with an inductive approach in 2019 in Iran. Changes were made to develop an evidence-based morning report and create a friendly educational environment between faculty members and residents, as well as interactive learning among the residents. The intervention was assessed through explaining the experiences of 16 participants via individual semi-structured interviews. Purposive sampling continued until data saturation. Data analysis was performed in the MAXQDA10 software. Results: In total, 153 codes, two main categories (education and dimensions of change), six categories (educational deficiencies, influential factors in the quality of education, requirements, barriers, benefits, and response to change), and 20 subcategories were extracted. Conclusions: According to the results, the residents were satisfied with the changes, while the faculty members needed more justification and motivation. The strengths and weaknesses identified in the intervention could lay the groundwork for broader changes in the same clinical fields.


2021 ◽  
Vol 1 (3) ◽  
pp. 216-222
Author(s):  
Abigail Reay ◽  
Avinash Aujayeb ◽  
Catherine Dotchin ◽  
Ellen Tullo ◽  
John Steer ◽  
...  

Introduction: Research into the long-term effects of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) continues at an unprecedented pace. Many physical long-term symptoms of COVID-19 have been reported and include headache, fatigue, muscle pain and breathlessness, etc. Psychological effects are not dissimilar to survivors of SARS. There is limited qualitative research exploring the mental health impacts and experiences of hospitalized COVID-19 inpatients. Methods: A prospective qualitative study is planned to explore patient experiences post hospital discharge following a diagnosis of COVID-19. The research aims to gain an understanding of how COVID-19 affects quality of life (QoL) and functional abilities. Patients discharged from the hospital will be invited to take part in semi-structured interviews discussing their experiences of hospitalization and the impact of COVID-19 on their QoL. Interviews will be conducted at three and six months following discharge from hospital. This study will provide important qualitative insight and may inform clinical interventions and commissioning decisions. Trial registration: The study has Research Ethics Committee (REC) and Health Research Authority (HRA) approvals obtained from Health and Care Research Wales (HCRW) [IRAS project ID 293196].


2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Leila Vahedi ◽  
Naser Ghorbanian ◽  
Atefeh Zabihi ◽  
hakimeh hazrati

Abstract Objective: It is of great importance to identify the talent students in the Scientific Olympiad and pay attention to the upgrade of quality of these competitions. The aim of this study was to explain the Students' experiences about the Scientific Olympiad. This research was a phenomenological qualitative study. Data were collected based on questionnaires (27 students) and semi-structured interviews (13 students) who were selected in the Medical Students' Scientific Olympiad. The analyzing of information was performed using clayze method. Results: Students' experiences were divided into two main themes, including motivating and restrictive factors. Scientific level, planning and implementation and welfare issues were obtained as the three main categories by analyzing data. The participants suggested four holding suggestions, side plans, facilities and the notification results. In conclusions, students' experiences stated that the Medical Students' Scientific Olympiad in Iran is still at an early stage that challenges further the knowledge level. Therefore, it is necessary to design questions with high taxonomy by trained academic facilities. Also, the attention to the side programs, welfare amenities and recreational programs as the motivating factors for participating in these competitions recommend.


2019 ◽  
Vol 15 (2) ◽  
pp. 94-113
Author(s):  
Trevor Tsz-Lok Lee ◽  
Xiyue Ma

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to systematically analyze how homeworkers perceive, interpret and make sense of their situations in relation to work and leisure participation. Thus, this study examines the dynamics by which homeworkers struggle to manage leisure and work in their everyday lives, with a special emphasis on how they interpret and make sense of their leisure–work dilemmas.Design/methodology/approachUsing the framework of a dynamic intersection of identity orientation and border-setting approach, this study analyzes qualitative data from semi-structured interviews with 13 young, home-based teleworkers in Shanghai.FindingsUnlike the purpose of family-friendly employment policies, homeworkers who had striven for a better leisure life ended up with frustration and disappointment, regardless of their attempts at separate leisure–work borders or not. In contrast, the overwhelming work in a homeworking context paradoxically led to a more fulfilling and satisfying life for most who prioritized work over all else in life.Originality/valueIn the cases of home-based work or other flexible work policies that aim to make a better balance of work and life, public attention has been directed merely toward a debate of whether these policies lead to an enhanced quality of leisure life or an intensification of work intrusion. However, understanding the complexity of such emerging phenomenon requires a richer, more nuanced explanation. In this light, this qualitative study of homeworkers’ lived experiences is sociologically relevant for deciphering the relationship between leisure and work in the late-modern society that entails an evolving process of negotiating identities and situational variability.


2009 ◽  
Vol 17 (4) ◽  
pp. 443-448 ◽  
Author(s):  
Milene Barcellos de Menezes ◽  
Lucilda Selli ◽  
Joseane de Souza Alves

Dysthanasia means slow and painful death without quality of life. This study aimed to know whether nurses identify dysthanasia as part of the final process of the lives of terminal patients hospitalized at an adult ICU. This is an exploratory-qualitative study. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with ten nurses with at least one year of experience in an ICU, and interpreted through content analysis. Results indicate that nurses understand and identify dysthanasia, do not agree with it and recognize elements of orthonasia as the adequate procedure for terminal patients. We conclude that nurses interpret dysthanasia as extending life with pain and suffering, while terminal patients are submitted to futile treatments that do not benefit them. They also identify dysthanasia using elements of orthonasia to explain it.


2018 ◽  
Vol 36 (4) ◽  
pp. 437-444 ◽  
Author(s):  
Petra Borsje ◽  
Peter L B J Lucassen ◽  
Hans Bor ◽  
Roland B Wetzels ◽  
Anne Margriet Pot ◽  
...  

Abstract Background During the course of dementia, most people develop some type of neuropsychiatric symptoms (NPS), which result in lower quality of life, high caregiver burden, psychotropic drug use and a major risk of institutionalization. Studies on NPS in people with dementia have been mainly conducted in clinical centres or psychiatric services. Objectives To investigate the course of NPS in people with dementia in primary care. Methods Analysis of (cumulative) prevalence and incidence, persistence and resolution based on data collected during an assessment at home of a prospective naturalistic cohort study in primary care in a sample of 117 people with dementia and their informal caregivers. Subsyndromes of NPS were assessed with the Neuropsychiatric Inventory (NPI) and Cohen-Mansfield Agitation Inventory. Multivariate analyses were used to detect determinants for the course of NPS. Results The mean age of the people with dementia was 78.6 years, and 52% were female. Mean Mini-Mental State Examination total score was 19.5, mean NPI total score 15.7. The most prevalent clinically relevant subsyndromes of the NPI were hyperactivity and mood/apathy, and the most prevalent individual NPS were aberrant motor behaviour (28%), agitation/aggression (24%) and apathy/indifference (22%). Of the people with dementia, 72.3% had one or more symptoms of the mood/apathy and 75.3% of the hyperactivity subsyndrome. Conclusions GPs should be aware of NPS in people with dementia and should actively identify them when they visit these patients or when informal caregivers consult them. Timely diagnosing facilitates adequate professional care.


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