Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Projects
Access Control
Campus Access
Embargo Period
5-2-2017
Degree Program
Doctor of Nursing Practice
Degree Track
Family Nurse Practioner
Year Degree Awarded
2017
Month Degree Awarded
May
Keywords
Caregiver burden, family caregiver, primary care, chronic illness, coping, psychoeducation intervention
Advisor
Terrie Black
DNP Project Chair
Terrie Black
DNP Project Member Name
Gabrielle Abelard
DNP Project Outside Member Name
Karen Kemp
Abstract
Background: The risk for burden among caregivers who provide care to elders with chronic illnesses is significant due to the negative effects on a caregiver as evidenced by psychological distress, depression, anxiety, social isolation, poor quality of life, and ineffective coping. Identifying caregivers who experience this burden is crucial to be able provide them with the opportunity to participate in community programs that focus on caregiver health. Purpose: The purpose of the integrative review DNP project was to highlight the importance of a psychoeducational and psychosocial training program, Powerful Tools for Caregivers (PTC), to increase awareness among Primary Care providers and caregivers. The PTC program demonstrated a positive effect in physical, psychological, and social well-being and helped caregivers’ to cope and communicate more effectively in the caregiving role. Toolkit: Creating a Caregiver Toolkit that consisted of information pertaining to the PTC program and community resources educated Primary Care providers and can assist them in identifying burden and service referral. The toolkit can also help caregivers to create community ties with both professional and nonprofessional services and support. Clinical Implications: Use of a Caregiver Toolkit in Primary Care helped to increase the knowledge among providers and family caregivers and focused on the use of community resources, support over the caregiving trajectory, and effective communication between caregivers and providers. Awareness of the PTC program among providers and caregivers positively correlated with a decrease in this burden, improved health status, and functioning, which lead to enhanced coping, problem solving, and communication.
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