The care process between informal caregivers and patients with palliative care needs at home: Meta-synthesis

Abstract

Introduction: Informal caregivers and patients with palliative care needs are essential for a successful home-based care experience. However, little is known about the care process between informal caregivers and these patients. Objective: To identify the factors that influence the care process between informal caregivers and patients with palliative care needs at home. Methodology: Meta-synthesis following the Joanna Briggs Institute methodology. We included qualitative studies with informal caregivers and/or patients with palliative care needs at home. We searched MEDLINE, CINHAL, Embase, and Scopus databases (2009-2021). Results: Thirty studies were included, with 605 participants. Eight main themes emerged: facilitating factors of informal care; complicating factors of informal care; strategies used; the influence of time in care; the influence of disease progression in care; motivations to provide home-based care; continuous learning; and caregiver’s roles. Conclusion: Informal care is a dynamic process where facilitating/complicating factors, strategies, and disease progression are interconnected. The results contribute to understanding the care process and designing person-centered, flexible, and context-sensitive care plans.