Family Caregiver Communication and Perceptions of Involvement in Hospice Care

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Background: The burden of caregiving for family members is significant and becomes particularly challenging at end of life, with negative effects on mental health, including anxiety and depression. Research has shown caregivers need better communication with their health care team. Objectives: To evaluate the relationship between hospice team communication with caregivers and caregiver involvement in care. Methods: The purpose of this secondary analysis of data collected from a U.S.-based cluster crossover randomized trial was to evaluate whether caregiver-centered communication (Caregiver-Centered Communication Questionnaire) is associated with a caregiver's perceptions of involvement in care (Perceived Involved in Care Scale). A block-wise approach was used to estimate linear models, which were created using total scores and subscale scores. Results: Caregiver-centered communication was positively associated with perceptions of involvement in care. Conclusion: Skilled communication between hospice clinicians and family caregivers is critical in helping family members perception they are involved in the care of their loved one. There could be similar benefit in caregiver-centered communication during cancer treatment as well.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)614-621
Number of pages8
JournalJournal of palliative medicine
Volume27
Issue number5
DOIs
StatePublished - May 28 2024

Keywords

  • caregiver
  • caregiver communication
  • communication
  • hospice
  • involvement in care

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Family Caregiver Communication and Perceptions of Involvement in Hospice Care'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this