Date of Award

1-1-2004

Document Type

Thesis

Publisher

Edith Cowan University

Degree Name

Master of Nursing

School

School of Nursing and Public Health

Faculty

Faculty of Computing, Health and Science

Abstract

The aim of this descriptive, explorative study was to describe the lived experience of informal carers providing care within the home, to a family member who has lung cancer and the symptom of dyspnoea. Many studies have highlighted the stressors associated with care provision, but no studies have focused on the experience associated with caring for a family member who is dyspnoeic. Ten carers were interviewed regarding their experiences of providing care to the family member during the palliative phase of the illness and while the family member was experiencing the symptom of dyspnoea. Analysis of the initial data highlighted differences in issues identified by nurses and carers, therefore, two Registered Nurses were interviewed to determine how the perceptions of the carers needs differ between the carer and the nurse. Data was collected using unstructured, in-depth interviews which were audio-taped. All data was analysed and common themes identified. Three key themes emerged from the data: developing skills, sustaining the carer and meeting the challenge. In addition to these themes, "developing relationships" emerged as the underpinning concept that supports the themes. The double ABCX model of adaptation and adjustment was used to determine how the carers' perceptions of the stressor and their coping resources influence the process of adaptation. Recommendations have been developed from the findings and are directed towards clinical practice issues, education of carers and areas for further nursing research. The aim of this descriptive, explorative study was to describe the lived experience of informal carers providing care within the home, to a family member who has lung cancer and the symptom of dyspnoea. Many studies have highlighted the stressors associated with care provision, but no studies have focused on the experience associated with caring for a family member who is dyspnoeic. Ten carers were interviewed regarding their experiences of providing care to the family member during the palliative phase of the illness and while the family member was experiencing the symptom of dyspnoea. Analysis of the initial data highlighted differences in issues identified by nurses and carers, therefore, two Registered Nurses were interviewed to determine how the perceptions of the carers needs differ between the carer and the nurse. Data was collected using unstructured, in-depth interviews which were audio-taped. All data was analysed and common themes identified. Three key themes emerged from the data: developing skills, sustaining the carer and meeting the challenge. In addition to these themes, "developing relationships" emerged as the underpinning concept that supports the themes. The double ABCX model of adaptation and adjustment was used to determine how the carers' perceptions of the stressor and their coping resources influence the process of adaptation. Recommendations have been developed from the findings and are directed towards clinical practice issues, education of carers and areas for further nursing research.

Included in

Nursing Commons

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