Living with an adult family member using advanced medical technology at home

Abstract

Living with an adult family member using advanced medical technology at home An increased number of chronically ill adults perform self-care while using different sorts of advanced medical technology at home. This hermeneutical study aimed to gain a deeper understanding of the meaning of living with an adult family member using advanced medical technology at home. Eleven next of kin to adults performing self-care at home, either using long-term oxygen from a cylinder or ventilator, or performing peritoneal or haemodialysis, were interviewed. The qualitative interviews were analysed using a Gadamerian methodology. The main interpretation explained the meaning as rhythmical patterns of connectedness versus separation, and of sorrow versus reconciliation. Dependence on others was shown in the need for support from healthcare professionals and significant others. In conclusion, next of kin took considerable responsibility for dependent-care. All next of kin were positive to the idea of bringing the technology home, even though their own needs receded into the background, while focusing on the best for the patient. The results were discussed in relation to dependent-care and transition, which may have an influence on the self-care of next of kin and patients. The study revealed a need for further nursing attention to next of kin in this context.

“I see myself as part of the team” – family caregivers’ contribution to safety in advanced home care

“…Their intention is certainly not to put the care recipient in danger, but they need to be sure that they can offer immediate assistance in life-threatening situations when professionals cannot. Our findings show that even qualified nurses sometimes lack expertise regarding HMV care, which makes family members feel indispensable and responsible, as reported in previous studies [ 34 , 47 ]. Therefore, they feel forced to gain knowledge and technical skills regarding HMV therapy to compensate for this lack of professional expertise.…”

Patient and family perspectives on peritoneal dialysis at home: findings from an ethnographic study

“…() identified that relatives played a significant role in choosing a renal replacement therapy, while Fex et al . () reported that relatives were excluded from treatment decisions. Although patients in this study often made the choice independently, relatives like those in Tweed and Ceaser's () study offered support by attending pre‐dialysis education and clinic appointments.…”

“…() further reported that patients were concerned about required modifications to the home, while relatives in Fex et al . 's (:340) study felt their homes had been ‘invaded' by technology. Corbin and Strauss () described how the home is organised to meet the domestic needs of the family, which is altered when chronic illness is introduced into the environment.…”

Social Support in the Peritoneal Dialysis Experience: A Qualitative Descriptive Study

“…For example, support offered by health care providers can enable patients receiving PD to develop confidence with self-care, 23 while family members can provide psychological support by engaging and being available to the patient. 24 The support networks of patients receiving PD vary, and they will have different support needs. It is important to include both patients and support people as partners in treatment.…”