A Process of Decision Making by Caregivers of Family Members With Heart Failure

Abstract

Heart failure (HF) is a major cardiovascular problem and the number of people living with HF continues to climb. Throughout the illness continuum, patients and their family caregivers are involved in decision making. As the illness worsens and patients can no longer make decisions, decision making becomes the responsibility of their caregivers who may have little preparation for the role. The purpose of this grounded theory study was to examine how caregivers of family members with HF make decisions. A nonlinear decision-making process consisting of several actions was identified, which included actualizing; seeking input, information, or support; reflecting; choosing; evaluating; and validating the decision.

Caregivers’ contributions to heart failure self-care: A systematic review

“…Specific examples of CG support for self-care activities (Table 1) included medication management; 35,39–41,44–52 blood pressure monitoring; 44,52 following dietary recommendations; 35,41,45,47,50–52 information management; 35,44,45,50,53 arranging resources (e.g. scheduling appointments, equipment, and services); 35,45,50 data entry into telemanagement; 52 encouraging/facilitating exercise; 39–41,45,50,51,54 regular weighing; 45,50–52 caring for a cardiac device; 55 monitoring for extremity edema; 40,51 monitoring for shortness of breath; 40,49,51 monitoring and helping to improve fatigue; 51 motivational care; 56 assessing the need for and give extra diuretics; 40 and contacting healthcare providers for help.…”

Understanding help-seeking decisions in people with heart failure: A qualitative systematic review

“…However, there were very few reports of caregiver involvement in clinical consultations with professionals (Murray et al, 2002;Sanford et al, 2011). Information from consultations was not shared with caregivers (Luttik et al, 2007;Martensson et al, 2001).…”

“…Need for better explanations Brannstrom et al (2011), Hekmatpou et al (2009, Horne and Payne (2004), Murray et al (2002), Rogers et al (2000), Russell et al (1998), Simpson et al (2000), Zambroski (2003). Caregivers Bosworth et al (2004), Brannstrom et al (2007), Brannstrom et al (2006), Crowder (2006, Horne and Payne (2004), Horowitz et al (2004), Luttik et al (2007), Mooney and Boxer (2003), Riegel and Carlson (2002), Riegel et al (2010b), Riegel et al (2010a), Sanford et al (2011), Scotto (2005, Thornhill et al (2008), Thornton and Hopp (2011).…”

“…2000), Thornhill et al (2008), Winters (1999), Zambroski (2003). Health professional support Brannstrom et al (2007), Clark et al (2005), Eldh et al (2006), Eldh et al (2004), Nordgren et al (2007b), Nordgren et al (2008), Riegel and Carlson (2002), Sanford et al (2011), Simpson et al (2000. Communication reduced uncertainty Brannstrom et al (2007), Eldh et al (2006), Eldh et al (2004), Nordgren et al (2007b), Winters (1999).…”

“…Patients valued and could rely on caregivers to determine if help was needed (Brannstrom et al, 2007;Edmonds et al, 2005;Patel et al, 2007;Sanford et al, 2011;Zambroski, 2003). At times, caregivers could contribute to increased delays by providing inaccurate advice (Zambroski, 2003).…”