The Development of an Islam-Based Caring Model for Muslim Family Caregivers of Patients with Peritoneal Dialysis in Southernmost Thailand

Abstract

This technical action research (TAR) aimed to develop an Islam-based caring model for Muslim family caregivers of patients with peritoneal dialysis. The process of the 5Rs consisting of response, reflection, relationship, relatedness, and role modeling in Islamic caring theory, according to Barolia and Karmaliani, integrated with gratitude approach within an Islamic thought of Latheef were used to guide the model. Five Muslim peritoneal dialysis (PD) nurses were the key participants, as well as thirteen Muslim family caregivers, and ten Muslim patients with peritoneal dialysis who were recruited for the study as associate participants. Data were gathered using face to face in-depth interviews, focus group discussion, observation, and field notes. Content analysis was used to analyse the data with initial codes grouped into sub-categories, generic categories, and main categories. Results revealed that the initial Islam-based caring model was composed of three components: inputs, the holistic Islamic caring process, and outcomes. Two main inputs included those from PD nurses and Muslim family caregivers. The essential PD nurses’ competencies in relation to caring for Muslim family caregivers included cultural, holistic nursing, critical thinking competencies, ability regarding peer group support, and holistic Islamic caring process. Muslim family caregivers can be grouped based on the duration of caregiving including less than or equal to and more than three months, which cover slightly different caring activities. The holistic Islamic caring process consisted of the process of caring from an Islamic perspective (5Rs) and the gratitude approach integrated with the nursing process. The relevant strategies for providing a holistic Islamic caring process included health professional collaboration, family meetings, peer group support, and home visits. Two main Islamic perspectives in relation to caring for Muslim family caregivers were required such as the religious doctrines and beliefs, and religious practices. The outcomes of the model included caregiver burden and harmony in life of Muslim family caregivers. The findings revealed that the initial Islam-based caring model had a significant impact on the changes of nurse caring behavior and the reduction of caregiver burden in social and psychological aspects. Meanwhile, harmony in life was improved in terms of encouraging the Muslim family caregivers’ ability to manage caregiving and pleasantness in caregiving. The initial Islam-based caring model can be valued as a holistic caring model. Its benefit therefore can be seen as a basic knowledge that can be used further in developing the body of knowledge in nursing science and of the knowledge of PD nurses, both Muslim and non-Muslim, who can use the model as a guide for nursing care in their practice. The model’s application in a different context may need to be modified before being implemented.