RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Informal caregivers of patients with COPD: Home Sweet Home?
JF European Respiratory Review
JO EUROPEAN RESPIRATORY REVIEW
FD European Respiratory Society
SP 498
OP 504
DO 10.1183/16000617.00010114
VO 24
IS 137
A1 Nienke Nakken
A1 Daisy J.A. Janssen
A1 Esther H.A. van den Bogaart
A1 Emiel F.M. Wouters
A1 Frits M.E. Franssen
A1 Jan H. Vercoulen
A1 Martijn A. Spruit
YR 2015
UL http://err.ersjournals.com/content/24/137/498.abstract
AB The burden of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) on society is increasing. Healthcare systems should support patients with COPD in achieving an optimal quality of life, while limiting the costs of care. As a consequence, a shift from hospital care to home care seems inevitable. Therefore, patients will have to rely to a greater extent on informal caregivers. Patients with COPD as well as their informal caregivers are confronted with multiple limitations in activities of daily living. The presence of an informal caregiver is important to provide practical help and emotional support. However, caregivers can be overprotective, which can make patients more dependent. Informal caregiving may lead to symptoms of anxiety, depression, social isolation and a changed relationship with the patient. The caregivers' subjective burden is a major determinant of the impact of caregiving. Therefore, the caregiver's perception of the patient's health is an important factor. This article reviews the current knowledge about these informal caregivers of patients with COPD, the impact of COPD on their lives and their perception of the patient's health status.Informal caregivers play important roles: their needs should be part of research and clinical care for COPD patients http://ow.ly/PSl7F