Supporting Family Caregivers With Palliative Symptom Management

A Qualitative Analysis of the Provision of an Emergency Medication Kit in the Home Setting

1. John P. Rosenberg, PhD1,2⇑
2. Tracey Bullen, DCP/MSc1,3
3. Kate Maher, MNursing4

1. ¹Formerly Calvary Centre for Palliative Care Research, Australian Catholic University, Watson, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
2. ²Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
3. ³Institute of Child Protection Studies, Australian Catholic University, Watson, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
4. ⁴Palliative Care, Clare Holland House, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia

1. John P. Rosenberg, PhD, Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, 60 Musk Avenue, Kelvin Grove, Queensland 4059, Australia. Email: jprosenberg@bigpond.com

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this qualitative analysis was to examine the experiences of family caregivers supporting a dying person in the home setting. In particular, it explores caregivers’ perceptions of receiving palliative care at home when supplied with an emergency medication kit (EMK).

Results: Most family caregivers described preexisting medication management strategies that were unable to provide timely intervention in symptoms. The EMK was largely viewed as an effective strategy in providing timely symptom control and preventing readmission to inpatient care. Caregivers reported varying levels of confidence in the administration of medication.

Conclusion: The provision of an EMK is an effective strategy for improving symptom control and preventing inpatient admissions of home-dwelling palliative care patients.