The lived experience of family members caring for schizophrenia patients at home:a systematic review of qualitative studies / 中华护理杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To systematically review and synthesize the lived experience of family members caring for schizophrenia patients at home,in order to provide evidence for community and home nursing. Methods We searched databases including The Cochrane Library,PubMed,EMbase,ISI Web of Science,PsycINFO,CINAHL,CBM, CNKI,VIP and Wanfang from inception to April 2017,to collect qualitative studies in the experience of family members caring for schizophrenia patients at home. The quality of included studies was evaluated according to JBI Critical Appraisal Tool for qualitative studies in Australia. Results A total of 31 studies were included,and 141 complete findings were grouped according to their similarities to form 8 categories. These categories resulted in two synthesized findings:Integration Results 1It brought family members a negative influence in care process because of excessive pressure and burden,but over time,they were slowly accepting the fact and trying to cope with dis-ease;Integration Results 2Patients were unable to take care of themselves,and caregivers were helpless and wanted assistance from the government and the health care system. Conclusion The government and health system should pay more attention to the impact of schizophrenia on family members who take care of schizophrenia patients. In the process of care,patients should be given support,guidance and encouragement,which help family members to improve coping abilities of psychology and disease,and to promote physical and mental health of schizophrenia pa-tients and their family members.