Nurses´ perspectives in empowering family caregivers of a person with lower limb amputation
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.29352/mill0221e.36965Keywords:
Keywords: amputation; empowerment; family caregiver; lower limb; nursesAbstract
Introduction: Lower limb amputation is one of the main causes of disability, primarily due to vascular problems, and represents more than 80% of cases. Loss of autonomy leads to permanent disability and requires caregivers to provide help. Before a patient's discharge, it is essential to assess and improve the needs and skills of caregivers.
Objective: To explore nurses' perspectives on empowering family caregivers of a person with major lower limb amputation of vascular etiology upon returning home.
Methods: This exploratory, cross-sectional, descriptive study used a qualitative approach. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 13 nurses from a hospital in Northern Portugal. Content analysis was performed using the ATLAS. ti software and Bardin's methodology.
Results: The interviews revealed four main categories: (i) amputee needs/difficulties, (ii) family caregiver needs/difficulties, (iii) transitioning home, and (iv) strategies to promote family caregiver empowerment. The results underline the need to improve discharge planning and the empowerment of family caregivers.
Conclusion: The experiences and perspectives of nurses in empowering family caregivers can contribute to the development of programs that support family caregivers of individuals with major lower limb amputation returning home.
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