Caring for Family Caregivers:a Research-action Study

Anxiety Clinical Trial

Official title: Depression and Anxiety Symptoms Reduction and Perceived Wellbeing Improvement in Female Primary Caregivers of Chronically Ill Patients by the Application of Problem Solving Technique by Primary Health Care Nurses

Status Completed

Clinical Trial Summary

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of the Problem Solving Technique (PST) in reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression among primary caregivers of chronically ill patients.

And also to describe and evaluate the process carried out by nurses when implementing the PST as a useful tool for care for family caregivers.

Clinical Trial Description

Background: In Spain, home care for the chronically ill and their family caregivers should be a priority in health and social policies due to the aging of the population and the progressive increase in dependent individuals. In our case, 88% of healthcare within dependency care is provided by the family and only 12% by health professionals. The family requires comprehensive and multidisciplinary ongoing care, in which the primary healthcare nurse plays a leading role. One of the areas involved is home-based nursing and counselling for family caregivers, in order to improve the quality of the care provided and to prevent issues arising that may adversely affect the caregiver's life.

Method: This is a research-action study with a mixed analysis methodology. Quantitative analysis was used to evaluate the effectiveness of the Problem Solving Technique in reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression among family caregivers. The clinical trial involved a control and experimental group and pre-post intervention measurements, using the Goldberg scale of anxiety and depression. The sample consisted of 122 caregivers who presented one of these positive subscales. The technique's application process was evaluated for the qualitative analysis, with a content analysis of the records of 10 nurses performing the experimental intervention. ;

Study Design

Allocation: Non-Randomized, Intervention Model: Parallel Assignment, Masking: Single Blind (Caregiver), Primary Purpose: Treatment

Related Conditions & MeSH terms

• Anxiety
• Depressive Symptoms
• Emotions

• NCT number: NCT01786083
• Study type: Interventional
• Source: Jordi Gol i Gurina Foundation
• Status: Completed
• Phase: N/A
• Start date: September 2007
• Completion date: July 2011