Difficulties experienced by individuals who care for palliative patients – a qualitative study informed by Jean Watson’s theory of human caring

Introduction
Caregivers’ difficulties with the caregiving process have a significant impact on how both they and the patients they care for are affected in a parallel manner. Jean Watson’s theory of human caring supports this phenomenological qualitative research because it explains the relationship between caregivers’ ability to provide care and the difficulties they face in doing so. This study aimed to determine difficulties experienced by individuals who care for palliative patients. The study was supported by Jean Watson’s theory of human care.

Material and methods
In the study, the transcendental phenomenology model of the qualitative research method was used. The study group consisted of six individuals registered in the Palliative Treatment Unit and caring for inpatients. A semi-structured interview form was used in the study. The interviews were audio-recorded with the permission of the participants. After the audio recordings were written down, content analysis was made by creating code-category-themes. We tried to ensure validity and reliability throughout the study.

Results
The findings consisted of a theme, five categories, and thirty-one codes. As a result of the study, it was determined that the caregivers experienced psychological, physical, economic, social, and spatial difficulties during the caregiving process. In addition, somatic complaints, sleep disturbance, and problems related to lifestyle and family relationships were also identified.

Conclusions
It is recommended that nurses evaluate the caregivers at regular intervals, prepare and implement the necessary training, counseling, and supportive programs to reduce the difficulties they experience, and conduct future studies with larger groups.