Effectiveness of symptom management training on caregiving preparedness and burden of family caregivers in-home palliative care: a quasi-experimental study

Abstract

Introduction: Family caregiving preparedness remains a problem, particularly for those who live in rural areas. Such conditions can cause a high burden for the family caregivers. The purpose of this study was to determine the effectiveness of providing home-based palliative care training for family caregivers (HBPC-FC) on caregiving preparedness and burden. Methods: This was a quasi-experimental study using a pre-post-test with the control group. There were 50 family caregivers (n=25 in the intervention group, n=25 in the control group) involved. The preparedness for caregiving was measured using the Caregiving Inventory (CGI) and the burden was measured using Caregiving Burden Scale questionnaires. Results: After four weeks of the HBPC-FC program, caregiving preparedness improved significantly in the intervention group. Statistically significant differences in caregiving burden were also found between-group where caregiving burden in the intervention group decreased significantly (p < 0.05). The HBPC-FC program had positive outcomes for family caregivers. Conclusions: Home-based palliative care training on symptom management could be utilized as a form to improve family caregivers’ readiness in providing care for patients at home.