Asian and native Hawaiian family caregiver satisfaction with palliative care services in nursing homes.

ABSTRACT

AIM: The aim of this study was to gauge Asian and native Hawaiian family satisfaction with palliative care services in two nursing homes in Hawaii, US. METHODS: This is a mixed-method study using a convergent design. Nine nursing home family caregivers who had received palliative care services took part. They completed a Famcare-2 satisfaction survey and participated in a 1-hour interview. Descriptive analyses and directed content analysis were completed and results were compared. RESULTS: The Famcare-2 results indicated that family caregivers were satisfied with palliative care services. The interviews provided in-depth information on the major areas discussed in the survey-management of patient physical symptoms and comfort, information, family support, and patient psychological care. CONCLUSIONS: There is a need to address family caregiver and interdisciplinary nursing home staff communication based on culturally appropriate approaches for palliative as well as end of-life care services among Asians and native Hawaiians.