Evaluation of caregiver burden and depression in caregivers of palliative care patients in the emergency department

Introduction
Palliative care (PC) is comprehensive care that includes not only patients but also families. In Turkish culture most caregivers consist of families. Caregiver burden (CB) is a serious problem which can lead to worsening of the quality of care. The aim of the study is evaluation of CB, depression and possible causes of these conditions.

Material and methods
Demographic information, follow-up in PC units, diagnosis and duration of disease of their patients and the outcome of follow-up in the emergency department (ED) (discharge, clinical or intensive care unit hospitalization, death) were collected in forms from all caregivers who have PC patients in the ED. Additionally, the Karnofsky Performance Scale (KPS) and Edmonton Symptom Assessment System (ESAS) were applied to the patients. The Zarit Caregiver Burden Inventory (ZCBI) was used to evaluate the burden levels of caregivers. The Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) was used to determine depressive symptoms.

Results
Fourty four (57.1%) females and 33 (42.9%) males were included in the study. The mean BDI score was 21.68 ±12.6 points, while the mean ZCBI score was 45.70 ±16.5. A moderately statistically significant relationship was found between the BDI and ZCBI score (r – 0.337, p – 0.001). There was no statistically significant difference between BDI and ZCBI scores of caregivers according to KPS scores of patients (p – 0.243 and p – 0.304).

Conclusions
The palliative care team should be aware of CB for caregivers of PC patients. Early detection of factors can be vital for preventing CB and possible development of depression.