Exploring the family caregiving phenomenon in nursing documentation

Oliveira, Manuel Fernando; Joana Campos, Maria; Padilha, José Miguel Santos Castro; Pereira, Filipe Miguel Soares; Sousa, P.

http://hdl.handle.net/10400.26/32833

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Authors

Oliveira, Manuel Fernando

Joana Campos, Maria

Padilha, José Miguel Santos Castro

Pereira, Filipe Miguel Soares

Sousa, P.

Abstract(s)

Background: Today, an increasing number of family members assume a great responsibility for taking care of a dependent person at home. Nurses must prepare the family caregiver for this transition—to be a caregiver, by providing the best solution for each case. Taking care of a dependent person is not an easy task; it involves cognitive and instrumental skills to perform this role. Aim: We intend to study the types and frequencies of nursing diagnosis related to the family caregiver, documented in the Nursing Information System (NIS) in use, in a District Hospital in Portugal. Method: The data were extracted from the Nursing Information System to a new database, and, after codification, we analyzed the nursing diagnosis related to the family caregiver. ICNP ® (International Classification for Nursing Practice) was used as referential terminology in data analysis. Findings: The analysis shows that more than 40% of patients admitted with nursing diagnosis are related to the family caregiver, even in readmissions cases. These nursing diagnoses are centered on the prevention of patient’s complications, such as pressure ulcer, replacement in self-care activities, i.e., feeding, optimization of the family caregiver role, and in the promotion of the therapeutic regimen management. The major skills that we found in diagnosis related to the family caregiver were associated with knowledge acquisition. Conclusion: We conclude that, in many readmissions cases, family caregivers continue to have many weaknesses, specifically related to their level of knowledge and skills learning. This finding opens a window of opportunity to develop solutions that will help these families take care of a dependent person at home, including web-based solutions that can be a tool to promote the continuity of care.