Patient and Caregiver Incongruence in Advanced Heart Failure

Lisa A. Kitko, Judith E. Hupcey, Casey Pinto, Maureen Palese

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

39 Scopus citations

Abstract

The important role of caregivers in heart failure (HF) management is well documented, but few studies have explored HF patient–caregiver dyads when dyadic incongruence is evident. The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of incongruence between HF patient–caregiver dyads, areas of incongruence, and the impact on individuals in the dyadic relationship. Data were collected as part of a longitudinal qualitative study examining the palliative care needs of HF dyads. Interviews with dyads determined to be incongruent were further analyzed. Of the 100 dyads, 47 were identified as being incongruent. Dyads were found to be incongruent in illness management, health care issues, and end-of-life decisions. Dyads that were incongruent reported more psychosocial issues and distress within the dyad and individually. Further research is needed to determine the impact of incongruence and whether interventions to modify incongruence will lead to improved HF patient and caregiver outcomes and experiences.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)388-400
Number of pages13
JournalClinical Nursing Research
Volume24
Issue number4
DOIs
StatePublished - Aug 11 2015

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • General Nursing

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