Family carers' experiences and perceived roles in interprofessional collaborative practice in primary care: A constructivist grounded theory study

Health Expectations : An International Journal of Public Participation in Health Care and Health Policy · 6 authors, 2 centres

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TL;DR

A qualitative constructivist grounded theory study interviewed 10 family carers of individuals with chronic conditions about their involvement in interprofessional collaborative practice (IPCP) in primary care.

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Aspects of constructivist grounded theory methodology were used to explore family carers' experiences and perspectives regarding involvement in IPCP in primary care. One-on-one semistructured interviews, averaging 40 minutes, were conducted via video communication with 10 family carers of individuals with chronic conditions. Transcripts were analysed using Charmaz's four-step iterative process of line-by-line coding, focused coding, categorisation, and theme development. Analysis yielded two themes: 'Stepping in for my loved one' (carers taking on external roles including working with interprofessional teams, supporting independence, and learning as they go) and 'Taking on the carer role' (internal factors including obligation and changing relationship dynamics). Carers generally felt involved in IPCP but reported feeling neglected during rapid treatment plan changes or cognitive decline. Findings suggest healthcare teams should better promote resources supporting carers and understand changing relationship dynamics.

STUDY TYPE

other

SPECIALTY

family medicine

SUMMARISED BY

AI pipeline

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100% · A

ORIGINAL PAPER

PMC10632645

Family carers' experiences and perceived roles in interprofessional collaborative practice in primary care: A constructivist grounded theory study

Health Expectations : An International Journal of Public Participation in Health Care and Health Policy

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ABSTRACT

Abstract Background Chronic conditions can lead to physical, cognitive and social decline; thus, increasing an individual's dependence on family who assist with activities of daily living. Interprofessional collaborative practice (IPCP), involving two or more health professionals working with the patient and their family, is one model of care for the high‐quality management of individuals with chronic conditions in primary care. Nevertheless, family carers have reported a disconnect between themselves and healthcare providers in previous research. This study aimed to explore the experiences and perspectives of family carers for individuals with chronic conditions, regarding their involvement in IPCP. Methods Aspects of constructivist grounded theory methodology were used. Family carers of individuals with chronic conditions were invited to participate in a one‐on‐one, semistructured interview about their experiences with IPCP in the care of their loved one. Interview transcripts were analysed using Charmaz's four‐step iterative process: (1) line‐by‐line coding, (2) focused coding, (3) categorisation of codes and (4) potential theme and subtheme development with memo writing to support each phase of analysis. The research team collaborated on reflexivity exercises, the conceptualisation of categories and the development of themes. Results Constructivist data analysis of interviews (average 40 min) with 10 family carers resulted in two themes. (1) Stepping in for my loved one represents the notion that carers take on external roles on behalf of their loved ones (subthemes: working with interprofessional teams, supporting independence and learning as I go). (2) Taking on the carer role, represents the internal factors that influence the external roles described in theme 1 (subthemes: feeling obligated to be involved and changing relationship dynamics). Conclusion This study outlines the external actions and internal influences on family carer involvement in an interprofessional team. The required knowledge and support to care for their loved ones is currently learned in an ad hoc manner, and carers' resources should be better promoted by health professionals. Additionally, the relationship dynamics between a carer and their loved one change as the carer becomes more involved in IPCP and influences how and the extent health professionals involve family carers. Patient or Public Contribution Carers were the study population involved in this qualitative study. Patient advocates who have chronic conditions, and are informal family carers, were involved in the creation and design of this study, including a review of the research question, participant information sheet and the interview guide. Keywords: caregiver, carer, chronic disease, multidisciplinary care team, primary health care, qualitative research

CITATION EXPORT

Alexandra R Davidson, Bekhinkosi D Zigori, Lauren Ball et al.. Family carers' experiences and perceived roles in interprofessional collaborative practice in primary care: A constructivist grounded theory study. Health Expectations : An International Journal of Public Participation in Health Care and Health Policy. (2023). https://doi.org/10.1111/hex.13828

AUTHORS

6 · 2 CENTRES

Alexandra R Davidson, Bekhinkosi D Zigori, Lauren Ball, Mark Morgan, Devanshi Gala, Dianne P Reidlinger

1 Faculty of Health Sciences and Medicine, Bond University, Gold Coast, Australia
2 Centre for Community Health and Wellbeing, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia