Abstract

This scoping review contains a literature analysis regarding interventions used by health care workers to alleviate guilt in caregivers of patients during end-of-life care. During end-of-life care, many transitions and decisions are made that add to the burden of caregivers. Family caregivers experience many physical, financial, and emotional stressors during the journey of end-of-life care, and this can result in guilt. Feelings of guilt can lead to poorer health outcomes and coping in family caregivers and should be addressed by health providers. In this scoping review, a literature search was conducted using various key terms like "guilt," "hospice," "end-of-life care," "interventions," and "caregivers." The articles that fit the criteria were examined to find tested interventions to alleviate guilt in family caregivers of patients in end-of-life or hospice care. A total of 13 articles were analyzed and divided into three sections, interventions that directly influence guilt, interventions that indirectly influence guilt, and interventions recommended by caregivers and hospice workers. Main themes that emerged for tested and recommended interventions include shared decision making, increased communication with health care providers, increased education on disease process and available options, and an emphasis on caregiver self-care. This research is limited and can provide the framework for future interventions to be tested and applied to the care of family caregivers experiencing guilt while caring for or grieving their loved one.

Thesis Completion

2023

Semester

Spring

Thesis Chair/Advisor

Conner, Norma

Degree

Bachelor of Science in Nursing (B.S.N.)

College

College of Nursing

Department

Nursing

Language

English

Access Status

Open Access

Release Date

5-15-2023

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