Longitudinal family caregiving experiences in heart failure: Secondary qualitative analysis of interviews

Background: Considering the potential impacts of family caregivers on heart failure management and the costs of healthcare, health professionals need to pay attention to the challenges faced by family caregivers. Objective: This study longitudinally explored the caregiving experiences of family caregivers of persons with heart failure. Methods: Serial interview scripts collected from 53 family caregivers were analyzed using a content analysis method. Results: The following themes emerged: (1) accumulating knowledge and skills for caregiving; (2) losing a sense of control; (3) balancing an unstable life; (4) constructing illness memory; (5) centering the patient in daily life; (6) accepting the loss of a family member; (7) coping with grief by drawing on social support; (8) facing financial responsibility; and (9) rethinking hospice care. Conclusion: Family caregivers experience concern about unpredictable caregiving years, disease's fluctuating symptoms and poor prognosis. More educational opportunities, financial counseling programs, and palliative care consultations should be provided. (C) 2021 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.