What prevention potential does the general practitioner setting offer for family caregivers?—findings from a qualitative interview study

Abstract

The support of people in need of care and assistance is often provided by caring relatives. General practitioners can play an important role in supporting this group, if they adapt to the problems and wishes of family caregivers. The aim of the exploratory study is to contrast care needs of family caregivers regarding the GP support with actually experienced care and, thereby, work out approaches for strengthening the GP’s role. A total of 37 family caregivers were recruited via 13 internet forums focused on caregiving. Telephone interviews were conducted between September 2020 and March 2021. The majority of those interviewed consider the GP to be an important support body with a high level of competence and trust. The interviewees praise the GP’s knowledge of the personal care situation, the responsiveness to a wide variety of problems and the focus on those in need of care. However, communication about the caring activity is often delayed significantly (late identification and addressing of family caregivers). GPs do not always address the needs of relatives to the same extent as they do to those in need of care. Only some of the doctors refer caregivers to offers of help and support. GPs can play a central role in supporting family caregivers. An crucial prerequisite for this is that family caregivers are recognized and involved at an early stage. In addition, it is important that GPs take into account the needs, desires and stresses of both caregivers and those being cared for. Consistent references to offers of help make it easier for family caregivers to organize care and to receive (psychosocial) support.