Case Study : CVD Patient's Caregiver of Surin Hospital

Abstract

Background: In 2006, total admission was 3,189 cases. Cerebrovascular disease (CVD) was the most frequent cause of admission (483 cases) therefore this chronic disease was regarded as a key quality aspect. Patient wards had developed care map for CVD patient in first seven days by multi-disciplinary team since 2002. The care map was modified in 2004 and generalized for CVD patient care in medicine wards of Surin hospital since then. The care map emphasized on examination, diagnosis and treatment as guided in clinical practice guideline (CPG). There were also self-care teaching and training for patient and caregiver in order to avoid preventable complication in home health care and for better quality of life. Thus caregiver should also be regarded as important as their patients. Because caregivers almost affected by stress from providing care of their patients.
Objective: To describe caregiver's experience in providing care of CVD patients
Study Design: Qualitative study
Method: This qualitative study applied phenomenologic methodology according to Husserl phenomenology concept. Data collected from medicine wards of Surin hospital by in-dept interview. Data was analyzed by Colaizzi thematic method.
Result: From caregiver's experience in providing care of CVD patients, four major aspects and seven minor aspects had been found as describe. The first major aspect was trouble in providing care. The second major was effect from providing care which consists of three minor aspects ; physical effect, mental effect and socioeconomic effect. The third major was the result of providing care which consists of two minor aspects ; repay kindness and to fulfill their duties as spouse or offspring. The fourth major aspect was guideline for helping caregiver which consists of two minor aspects ; aiding from the others and repose from providing care.
Conclusion: Caregiver should be regarded as important as their patients because they almost affected by stress from providing care of patient. Revealing of the fact about providing care of patient that may affect caregiver is the point that health care practitioner should be regarded and propose the solution for aiding caregiver to maintain patients and their quality of life as well.
Key words: experience, phenomenology, CVD patient's caregiver