Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository

Degree

Master of Science

Program

Nursing

Supervisor

Dr. Sandra Regan

2nd Supervisor

Dr. Lorie Donelle

Joint Supervisor

Abstract

Amidst concerns about the capacity to meet the care needs of community dwelling clients, the South West Community Care Access Centre in London, Ontario piloted a new model of home care delivery to palliative care clients. The purpose of this interpretive description study was to describe the experiences of informal caregivers who have lived with and cared for a family member who received palliative care as part of the eShift model of home care. In this study, eight participants were purposively sampled and narrative data were collected through individual, audio-taped interviews using a semi-structured interview guide. The analysis and interpretation of the interviews revealed four main themes. The main themes include: The Health Care Family; Making the Invisible Visible; There’s No Place Like Home; and Burden of Love. Overall, informal caregivers indicated they were very satisfied with care delivery, felt supported by health care providers, and were able to support their family member to die at home. Findings from this study contribute a greater understanding to what is known about informally caring for a family member who is receiving eShift palliative home care. This study offers implications regarding the use of technology and health human resources for nursing practice, education, research and future policy development in the home care sector.

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