Thriving in Family Caregiving: A Grounded Theory Study of Thai Family Caregivers of Patients with Home Mechanical Ventilation (HMV)

Abstract

Home Mechanical Ventilation (HMV) has become the most significant life sustaining therapy for patients with chronic respiratory failure condition. Caring for persons with life sustaining technology dependence at home is challenging. Family caregivers play a key role in providing care at home. However, little is known about the caregiving experience for Thai patients with HMV. This study aims to explore family caregiving process for Thai ventilation-dependent patients at home. Straussian grounded theory was employed to explore the phenomena of family caregiving experiences and the contextual influences of careging on responses to care management. Participants were 22 Thai family caregivers who provided care for the loved one with HMV in Songkhla province, Thailand. In-depth interviews, participant observation, and field note were the methods of data collection. Constant comparison and coding process were the basic analysis method. The substantive theory developed in this study was the model of thriving in family caregiving for the mechanical ventilated patients at home, transformation of family caregivers' experiences when dealing with caregiving demands was an important process to help them overcome difficult caregiving conditions. Three categories in the process of thriving in family caregiving were identified: being in the midst of a storm and a labyrinth of suffering, doing one's best to move on, and achieving blissfulness of mind. Family caregivers who could thrive in caregiving for their loved one with HMV were able to live life harmoniously in balance and happiness. Knowledge gained from this study can be used to improve family caregiving for patients dependent on HMV by promoting them to achieve the thriving in care. This model can be used as basic information to develop a specific intervention program for patients with HMV and to motivate healthcare providers to engage in effective technology care at home.