This case study compared the delivery of a psychoeducational intervention with hospice caregivers, delivered in person and via videophone. This study demonstrates the feasibility of using telehealth tools to deliver interventions in hospice and identified ways or protocols that can be adapted for telehealth delivery. The caregiver expressed satisfaction with the telehealth experience, supporting the value of video communication. The results have laid the framework for further implementation of an ongoing, randomized clinical trial examining the use of telehealth tools for delivery of psychoeducational interventions with hospice caregivers.
Get full access to this article
View all access options for this article.
References
1.
BolandD, SimsS. Family caregiving at home as a solitary journey. J Nurs Sch, 1996; 28:55–58.
2.
National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization. NHPCO Facts and Figures: Hospice Care in America 2008. Alexandria: VA, 2009.
3.
DemirisG, Parker OliverD, WashingtonK, Thomas FruehlingL, Haggarty–RobbinsD, DoorenbosA, WechkinH, BerryD. A problem solving intervention for hospice caregivers: A pilot study. J Palliat Med(In press).
4.
D'ZurillaT, NezuA. Problem Solving Therapy—A Positive Approach Technical Intervention, 3rd. New York: Springer Publishing Company, 2007.
5.
DemirisG, Parker OliverD, CourtneyKL, DayM. Use of telehospice tools for senior caregivers: A pilot study. Clin Gerontol, 2007; 31:43–58.
6.
Parker OliverD, DemirisG, DayM, CourtneyKL, PorockD. Telehospice support for elder caregivers of hospice patients: two case studies. J Palliat Med, 2006; 9:264–267.
7.
Parker OliverD, DemirisG, Wittenberg-LylesE, PorockD, CollierJ, ArthurA. Caregiver participation in hospice interdisciplinary team meetings via videophone technology: A pilot study to improve pain management. Am J Hospice Palliat Care(In press).
8.
WhittenPS, DoolittleG, MackertM. Telehospice in Michigan: Use and patient acceptance. Am J Hospice Palliat Care, 2004; 21:191–195.
9.
WhittenP, DoolittleG, HellmichS. Telehospice: Using telecommunication technology for terminally ill patients. J Comput Mediated Commun, 2001; 6. http://jcmc.indiana.edu/vol6/issue4/whitten2.html.
