Adaptation of Caregivers of Individuals on Mechanical Ventilation to Caregiving Role

Abstract

Aim:The aim of this study is to investigate the adaptation of caregivers of individuals on mechanical ventilation (MV) at home to their caregiver role. Study design:The phenomenological research method, one of the qualitative research methods, was employed in the study. Materials and methods:The sample consisted of 21 individuals who agreed to participate in the research. Necessary legal permissions were obtained to conduct the study. Results:The data were analyzed according to the Roy adaptation model (RAM). Accordingly, the domains of the RAM were expressed with the following themes: Physiologic domain: The effects of care on the caregiver (reluctance toward self-care, psychological fatigue, insomnia, and limitation of social life); Self-concept domain: Supportive situations (trust in God and spiritual practices) and non-supportive situations (fear of losing and self-blame); Role-function domain: Adaptation of the caregiver role (thinking no one else can give similar care) and maladaptation of the caregiver role (fear of failing to cope with suddenly emerging situations, failing to fulfill roles and responsibilities, and economic inadequacy); Interdependence domain: Receiving support (support of healthcare professionals and support of family members) and lack of support (inadequacy of health services and loneliness). Conclusion: It was concluded that individuals who provided care for patients on MV experienced many difficulties and that these difficulties increased their care burden and made it difficult to adapt to their caregiving roles.