Aim
The purpose of this study was to explore the experiences of informal caregivers receiving nurse telephone support for an older person discharged from hospital and how the nursing support influenced their experiences of caring.
Design
A descriptive qualitative study.
Methods
Purposive sampling was used to recruit participants who cared for older adults from two states in Australia between April 2022 and March 2023 for one-on-one interviews 6 months (n = 28) and 12 months (n = 24) after patient discharge from hospital. Inductive directional content analysis was used to analyse the qualitative data.
Results
Three themes were identified: (1) Caregiving elicited a complex mix of emotions; (2) nursing support improved caregivers' preparedness to care over time and (3) caregivers welcomed emotional and practical support as they took on new responsibilities. They reflected that nurse telephone support offered emotional and practical support, helping caregivers feel more confident and less stressed in the caregiving role.
Conclusion
The study highlighted the value of proactive nurse-led programs to support informal caregivers after patient discharge from hospital, improving their experience. Providing ongoing support after discharge via telephone communication can play a critical role in caregiver wellbeing and facilitate the sustainability of their caregiving responsibilities in the home.
Reporting Method
Study design and conduct are reported in line with the consolidated criteria for reporting qualitative studies (COREQ) guidelines.
Patient or Public Contribution
The research team includes a consumer investigator (H.L.) who has provided feedback and input at all stages of the research, including grant application, project design, data analysis and manuscript review.
Trial Registration
Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry identifier (ANZCTR): 12620000060943
- Nurse Telephone Support for Informal Caregivers of Older Adults: A Qualitative Exploratory Study
- Cheng Yen Loo - The University of Western AustraliaSusan Slatyer - Murdoch University, Centre for Healthy AgeingAmi Kamdar - Sir Charles Gairdner HospitalTrish Starling - The University of Western AustraliaKeith D Hill - Curtin UniversityLaurie Grealish - Griffith UniversityHoward Lance - The University of Western AustraliaAnne-Marie Hill - The University of Western Australia
- Journal of advanced nursing, Vol.82(6), pp.6648-6659
- John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
- 12
- APP1157834 / National Health and Medical Research Foundation of Australia Royal Perth Hospital Research Foundation
- 991005821342807891
- © 2025 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
- Centre for Healthy Ageing; School of Nursing
- English
- Journal article