Abstract
The majority of people with degenerative neurological conditions are cared for within their own families. Cognitive impairment can be a significant and increasing symptom of these conditions. In this article we report how a team of experienced researchers carried out a meta-ethnography of qualitative research articles focusing on the impact of caring for a loved one with cognitive impairment. We followed the seven-step process outlined by Noblit and Hare. Synthesized findings from 31 papers suggest emotional impact is complex and uncertain and varies from day to day. The benefit of using meta-ethnography is that the results represent a larger sample size and a reinterpretation of multiple studies can hold greater application for practice. The results of this study offer an opportunity for nurses to be aware of both the positive and negative sides of caring and being cared for. This knowledge can be used to discuss with patients and carers how best to prepare for decreasing cognition and still maintain a worthwhile quality of life.
DOI
10.1111/j.1442-2018.2012.00727.x
Publication Date
2013-03-01
Publication Title
Nurs Health Sci
Volume
15
Issue
1
Organisational Unit
School of Nursing and Midwifery
Keywords
Adaptation, Psychological, Anthropology, Cultural, Caregivers, Cognition Disorders, Emotions, Home Nursing, Humans, Meta-Analysis as Topic, Nurse-Patient Relations, Qualitative Research
First Page
113
Last Page
123
Recommended Citation
Grose, J., Frost, J., Richardson, J., & Skirton, H. (2013) 'Using meta-ethnography to understand the emotional impact of caring for people with increasing cognitive impairment.', Nurs Health Sci, 15(1), pp. 113-123. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1442-2018.2012.00727.x
