Caregiving tasks and caregiver burden; effects of an psycho-educational intervention in partners of patients withpost-operative heart failure

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the effects of a psycho-educational intervention on caregiver burden in partners of patients with postoperative heart failure. Background: Since partners of cardiac surgery patients play a significant role in the patient's recovery, it is important to address their needs during hospitalization and after discharge. Methods: Forty-two patients with postoperative heart failure and their partners participated in a randomized controlled pilot study. Dyads in the intervention group received psycho-educational support from a multidisciplinary team. Dyads in the control group received usual care. Results: No significant differences were found in the performance of caregiving tasks and perceived caregiver burden in the control versus the intervention group. Conclusion: A pilot study exploring the effects of a psycho-educational intervention in patients and their partners did not reveal significant effects with regard to reduced feelings of burden in partners. Alleviating caregiver burden in partners may need a more intense or specific approach.