Pårörende til hjemmeboende med hjertesvikt: «medarbeidere» i ukjent tjenesteterreng
Sammanfattning
Background: Relatives’ support is an important factor in how well people with heart failure
manage their illness and daily living. The relatives are expected to have an expanded role in the
health care system. Health care professionals need to be knowledgeable about the relatives’
experiences and needs.
Objective: To explore the experiences and views of the relatives of heart failure patients with regard
to their need for knowledge, support and collaboration with healthcare professionals.
Method: The study had an exploratory design with qualitative interviews of nineteen relatives
recruited from Heart Failure outpatient clinics and home care services. Thematic cross-cased content
analyses were performed.
Results: Three main themes were revealed:
1. The relatives’ involvement in illness management and information needs.
2. A health care system blurred with lack of information.
3. The importance of support by healthcare professionals who are available and competent.
Conclusion: Next of kin will need correct and relevant information and support from health care
professionals to possess the significant caring role they have to hold. Increased focus on
collaboration and expertise in municipal services has the potential to improve the situation for both
patient and next of kin.