Abstract
Background:
The aim of the study on complex decision-making and quality of life for patients with life-threatening illness receiving prolonged mechanical ventilation (PMV) is an incontestable and crucial component to caring for these patients and their families. The family's mental pain and stress are no less than that of the patient. We used a questionnaire to conduct an investigation exploring the mental state of family members of patients on PMV in order to provide care and counseling in a timely manner.
Methods:
This was a cross-cut design study. An open recruitment method was used. After a subject was explained the consent form and provided informed consent, they completed the questionnaire in an anonymous manner. A 6-point Likert scale was used, with higher scores indicating a better the mental health status. There were 4 parts to the questionnaire: Self-Worth or Controllable World, Just World, and Safe World. Analysis was performed using the chi-square, t-test, and mean ± SD. Institutional Review Board (IRB): TTMHH-107R0018.
Results:
Of the participants, 73% were between 45 and 54 years old (28%). According to Yi-Jen Su and Sue-Huei Chen’s Core Assumptions Scale (2012), the classification of family caregiver’s stress. Just World the mean ± SD was low (2.53±0.66), while the average Safe World of L score was higher (3.63±0.63). These results indicate that the respondents' stress needs are significant with respect to the Self-Worth or Controllable World, Just World, and Safe World. Family caregiver’s stress provides the caregiver value and meaning, and meaning to their own life, and this is very important for a primary caregiver.
Conclusions:
The family caregiver’s stress (FCS) in this study was the greatest with respect to life objectives and meaning. Mao Xinchun (1997) found that patients with terminal diseases often understand the value of their existence, and the meaning of life, because of the care of others. Therefore, based on the results of this study and the experience gained from the process of collecting data, the recommendations for FCS education and practice are: (1) Proposal for FCS education (2) Suggestions for clinical practice.
Family Caregiver’s Stress Analysis (N = 40)
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