Abstract
BACKGROUND: Caregivers, together with health professionals, play an important role in palliative care and are often the backbone of care for patients facing serious illnesses. The present study was conducted to examine the correlations between the severity of symptoms faced by patients receiving treatment in a palliative care unit and the preparedness and strain levels of caregivers. METHODS: The present study had a descriptive and correlational design. The data of the study were collected by using the Descriptive Information Form, Edmonton Symptom Assessment Scale, Katz’s Activities of Daily Living Index, Preparedness for Caregiving Scale, and Caregiver Strain Index. STROBE guidelines were adhered to for this study. RESULTS: In the study, it was detected that patients often faced symptoms of decreased wellbeing, anxiety, depression, loss of appetite, and fatigue. According to data on caregiver, the caregivers’ readiness and strain levels associated with caregiving were at a moderate level. A negative and moderate significant correlation was detected between the Edmonton Symptom Assessment Scale (r = -.47; p < .05) and the Preparedness for Caregiving Scale, and a positive and moderate significant correlation was detected between the Caregiver Strain Index (r = .48; p < .05). However, a significantly negative correlation was detected between caregivers’ readiness and strain level (r = -.57; p < .05). In the study, it was found that as the symptom level of patients increased, the readiness level of caregivers decreased and their strain levels increased. In the advanced analysis, the symptom variable (β = .263, p < .001) and the readiness for caregiving variable (β = –.404, p < .001) were identified as significant predictors of caregiver stress levels. CONCLUSION: This study was conducted with 130 patients treated in a palliative care unit and their respective 130 primary caregivers. The findings revealed that the severity of symptoms experienced by patients significantly affected the caregivers' preparedness for caregiving and their perceived strain levels. Based on these results, it might be argued that by determining and controlling the symptom levels of palliative care patients, the readiness level of caregivers might be increased and their strain levels might be reduced. In this respect, it is recommended that effective nursing practises be planned and counselling be provided to control the symptoms of patients and prepare caregivers for the role of caregiving.