Facilitated access to medical specialistic care as a form of support for informal caregivers

Introduction and aim of the study: Palliative or hospice care is of significant burden for informal caregivers. This includes a wide range of somatic disorders. They less likely participate in health-related initiatives. Many of them don’t benefit from the most optimal medical care. The estimation of need for specialist medical care aimed at informal caregivers was carried out based on the activity called Prophylaxis Day (free consultations with specialists and ultrasound examinations). The level of satisfaction expressed by the participants was also analyzed.

Material and methods: Demographic, medical data and involvement in the care process were analyzed based on consultation cards and own survey sent to all participants (N = 103) four weeks after its completion.

Results: Totally 61 persons (59.22%) replied, 40 of them fulfilled study criteria (currently or within the last 6 months personal care of the chronically ill person for minimum 12 hours per week); 80.00% of respondents (n = 32) were women, mostly of advanced age (median: 66 years, range: 29-82); 296 medical consultations and 42 ultrasound examinations were provided. The majority of respondents (n = 37, 92.50%) estimated the initiative very well. According to 19 respondents (47.00%) it completely fulfilled the expectations, 18 (45.00%) were partly satisfied, and for 1 (2.50%) respondent the action had not met the expectations. Inability to consult the higher number of specialists and perform other diagnostic tests were the most common causes of dissatisfaction. All respondents indicated the expedience for continuation of the initiative.

Conclusions: Facilitated access to medical specialist care is a valuable and well-perceived form of support for informal caregivers.