Supporting older people with multimorbidity: The care burden of home health-care assistants in Ireland |
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Authors: | Suzanne Smith Emma Murphy Caoimhe Hannigan John Dinsmore Julie Doyle |
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Affiliation: | 1. NetwellCASALA, Dundalk Institute of Technology, Dundalk, Co. Louth, Irelandsuzanne.smith@dkit.ie;3. Trinity Centre for Practice and Healthcare Innovation, Trinity College, Dublin, Ireland;4. NetwellCASALA, Dundalk Institute of Technology, Dundalk, Co. Louth, Ireland |
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Abstract: | The treatment burden inherent in self-managing multiple chronic conditions (multimorbidity) is recognized, but there has been little examination of the care burden experienced by paid home health-care assistants (HCAs) who support older people with multimorbidity. Focus groups were conducted with HCAs in Ireland and data were coded using a thematic analysis approach. Care burden of HCAs was linked with lack of knowledge and information, poor communication, insufficient time and resources, gaps in medication support and work-related stress. Strategies are required to reduce the care burden of HCAs, who are essential stakeholders supporting growing numbers of older people with multimorbidity. |
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Keywords: | Multimorbidity older people healthcare assistants chronic illness care burden |
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