Abstract: SA-PO480
Caregiver's Word Choices, Definitions, Roles, and Functions in Peritoneal Dialysis Caregiving: A Systematic Scoping Review
Session Information
- Home Dialysis - 2
October 26, 2024 | Location: Exhibit Hall, Convention Center
Abstract Time: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Category: Dialysis
- 802 Dialysis: Home Dialysis and Peritoneal Dialysis
Authors
- Kantagowit, Piyawat, Chulalongkorn University Faculty of Medicine, Bangkok, Bangkok, Thailand
- Pongpirul, Krit, King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital Department of Preventive and Social Medicine, Bangkok, Bangkok, Thailand
- Kanjanabuch, Talerngsak, King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital Division of Nephrology, Bangkok, Thailand
Background
Caregivers are vital in peritoneal dialysis (PD) care, with the understanding and classification of PD self-care tasks crucial in defining caregiver roles. Due to inconsistencies in the existing literature, we conducted a systematic exploration of the variations surrounding the term ‘caregiver’ in PD studies.
Methods
We conducted a thorough systematic search using PubMed, Embase, and CENTRAL databases for English-language studies relevant to caregiver support for PD patients up to June 2, 2023. Our analysis focused on word choices, definitions, caregiver identities, and their associated functions.
Results
Out of 4,130 potential studies, 468 articles were screened, of which 177 met the criteria. These studies involved 102,180 patients across 38 countries. 'Caregiver(s)' was used in 88.7% of studies, 'carer(s)' in 15.3%, and other terms in 11.3%. Multiple terms were found in 15.3% of studies. However, only 8.5% provided explicit definitions. Caregiving roles were referenced in 53.7% of studies, primarily identifying parents (38.4%), spouse (33.9%), other family members (33.9%), descendants (31.1%), non-relative non-healthcare workers (21.5%), friends (15.8%), and healthcare workers (14.1%). Functions were delineated in 38.4% of studies, with PD-specific tasks in 33.3%, instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs) in 9.0%, and basic activities of daily living (ADLs) in 7.3%.
Conclusion
Our findings reveal a wide variability in definition and scope of PD caregivers across studies. To facilitate accurate assessment of PD caregiver impact and inform policy development, we advocate for consistent definitions and detailed functional descriptions within the field.
Summary of Key Findings and Proposed Components Defining a Peritoneal Dialysis Caregiver
| Component | Key Findings |
| Word Choice | 'Caregiver' was the most used term (89%) 27 studies (15%) used more than one term for 'caregiver'. |
| Definitions | Only 15 out of 177 studies provided a definition. |
| Persons Performing Caregiving | Approximately 46% of studies did not specify. |
| Functions | Only 38% of studies mentioned caregiver functions. Most studies identified caregivers based on PD-specific tasks (87%). |
| Additional Findings | Certain studies grouped patients and caregivers together. |
| Suggestions | Use consistent terminology with clear, detailed definitions. Address caregivers separately from patients. |
Abbreviations: PD, Peritoneal dialysis.