Healthcare and social care professionals’ experiences of respite care: a critical incident study
Introduction Aging in place is favoured among older persons and supported by research in Sweden, although it poses challenges for overburdened informal caregivers. While respite care can offer support, its accessibility is hindered by organizational challenges and informal caregivers’ delays in usin...
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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Taylor & Francis Group
2024-12-01
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| Series: | International Journal of Qualitative Studies on Health & Well-Being |
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| Online Access: | http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/17482631.2024.2352888 |
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| author | Annelie K. Gusdal Mirkka Söderman Tina Pettersson Jaana Kaup Lena-Karin Gustafsson |
| author_facet | Annelie K. Gusdal Mirkka Söderman Tina Pettersson Jaana Kaup Lena-Karin Gustafsson |
| author_sort | Annelie K. Gusdal |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Introduction Aging in place is favoured among older persons and supported by research in Sweden, although it poses challenges for overburdened informal caregivers. While respite care can offer support, its accessibility is hindered by organizational challenges and informal caregivers’ delays in using it. The experiences of informal caregivers are well-studied, but the professionals’ experiences of respite care quality and critical incident management are underexplored. Aim To explore professionals’ experiences of critical incidents in respite care, consequences for the persons being cared for, and strategies to manage critical incidents. Materials and methods A qualitative, critical incident technique was used, and three group interviews with a total of 16 professionals were conducted. Results Barriers to quality respite care included communication gaps during care transitions, environmental shortcomings in respite care facilities, lack of support for informal caregivers, and inadequacies in respite care decisions. Strategies to manage critical incidents included individualized care, continuity and communication in care transitions, a conducive environment, support for informal caregivers, and care professionals’ positive approach. Conclusions The study emphasizes the need for focused efforts on communication, continuity, and a supportive environment. Addressing identified challenges and applying suggested strategies will be key to maximizing the potential of respite care as a vital support for care recipients and their informal caregivers. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-b3709f0e2667488ea2a4c9c04ba1c033 |
| institution | OA Journals |
| issn | 1748-2623 1748-2631 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2024-12-01 |
| publisher | Taylor & Francis Group |
| record_format | Article |
| series | International Journal of Qualitative Studies on Health & Well-Being |
| spelling | doaj-art-b3709f0e2667488ea2a4c9c04ba1c0332025-08-20T02:38:49ZengTaylor & Francis GroupInternational Journal of Qualitative Studies on Health & Well-Being1748-26231748-26312024-12-0119110.1080/17482631.2024.23528882352888Healthcare and social care professionals’ experiences of respite care: a critical incident studyAnnelie K. Gusdal0Mirkka Söderman1Tina Pettersson2Jaana Kaup3Lena-Karin Gustafsson4Mälardalen UniversityMälardalen UniversityMälardalen UniversityMälardalen UniversityMälardalen UniversityIntroduction Aging in place is favoured among older persons and supported by research in Sweden, although it poses challenges for overburdened informal caregivers. While respite care can offer support, its accessibility is hindered by organizational challenges and informal caregivers’ delays in using it. The experiences of informal caregivers are well-studied, but the professionals’ experiences of respite care quality and critical incident management are underexplored. Aim To explore professionals’ experiences of critical incidents in respite care, consequences for the persons being cared for, and strategies to manage critical incidents. Materials and methods A qualitative, critical incident technique was used, and three group interviews with a total of 16 professionals were conducted. Results Barriers to quality respite care included communication gaps during care transitions, environmental shortcomings in respite care facilities, lack of support for informal caregivers, and inadequacies in respite care decisions. Strategies to manage critical incidents included individualized care, continuity and communication in care transitions, a conducive environment, support for informal caregivers, and care professionals’ positive approach. Conclusions The study emphasizes the need for focused efforts on communication, continuity, and a supportive environment. Addressing identified challenges and applying suggested strategies will be key to maximizing the potential of respite care as a vital support for care recipients and their informal caregivers.http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/17482631.2024.2352888critical incident techniqueinformal caregroup interviewsolder adultsprofessional caregiversqualitative researchrespite care |
| spellingShingle | Annelie K. Gusdal Mirkka Söderman Tina Pettersson Jaana Kaup Lena-Karin Gustafsson Healthcare and social care professionals’ experiences of respite care: a critical incident study International Journal of Qualitative Studies on Health & Well-Being critical incident technique informal care group interviews older adults professional caregivers qualitative research respite care |
| title | Healthcare and social care professionals’ experiences of respite care: a critical incident study |
| title_full | Healthcare and social care professionals’ experiences of respite care: a critical incident study |
| title_fullStr | Healthcare and social care professionals’ experiences of respite care: a critical incident study |
| title_full_unstemmed | Healthcare and social care professionals’ experiences of respite care: a critical incident study |
| title_short | Healthcare and social care professionals’ experiences of respite care: a critical incident study |
| title_sort | healthcare and social care professionals experiences of respite care a critical incident study |
| topic | critical incident technique informal care group interviews older adults professional caregivers qualitative research respite care |
| url | http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/17482631.2024.2352888 |
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