Effect of an innovative model of complexity care on family caregiver experience

• Published in: Canadian family physician 2020-03, Vol.66 (3), p.194
• Main Authors: Nickell, Leslie A, Tracy, C Shawn, Bell, Stephanie H, Upshur, Ross EG
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Caregivers; Families & family life; Family owned businesses; Family physicians; Interprofessional cooperation; Primary care
• ISSN: 0008-350X; 1715-5258

Objective To investigate the experiences of family caregivers who participated in an innovative model of interprofessional team–based care specifically designed for elderly patients with complex care needs. Design Qualitative study. Setting Large academic family practice in Toronto, Ont. Participants Family caregivers of elderly patients who had attended the IMPACT (Interprofessional Model of Practice for Aging and Complex Treatments) clinic (N = 13). Methods Individual semistructured interviews, which were conducted face-to-face, audiorecorded, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed using the constant comparative method. Main findings Family caregivers who attended the IMPACT clinic believed it enhanced caregiver experience and capacity. Caregivers experienced increased validation and engagement with the treatment team. Feelings of isolation were reduced, resulting in increased confidence and greater feelings of empowerment in their caregiver role. Conclusion While the needs and value of caregivers are increasingly acknowledged, health care teams continue to struggle with how to relate to and engage with family caregivers-how best to support them and work with them in the context of their family members' care. Interprofessional teams who adopt the IMPACT model-providing synchronous, real-time interventions that include the caregiver-can facilitate increased caregiver capacity, confidence, and empowerment.