Role of the Lebanese family caregivers in cardiac self‐care: a collective approach

Aims and objectives The purpose of this study was to explore perceptions of cardiac self‐care among Lebanese family caregivers of cardiac patients. The specific aims were to describe the cultural context of cardiac care‐giving in Lebanon and to explore the roles of family caregivers in enhancing self‐care practices in patients with cardiac diseases. Background The role of family caregivers in Lebanon, a country in the Middle East, is assumed to extend beyond care‐giving to making decisions on behalf of the patient and assuming responsibility for patient care. To date, there has been no study done to empirically validate this impression. Design The design of the study is qualitative descriptive that used semi‐structured individual interviews with family caregivers of Lebanese cardiac patients. Method Thirteen family caregivers of cardiac patients were recruited from a referral medical centre in Lebanon. The participants were designated by their patients and interviewed in a place of their choice. Results One overarching and three themes emerged from data analysis describing roles of family care givers in cardiac self‐care. The overarching theme was: Family caregivers of Lebanese cardiac patients were unfamiliar with the term, concept and meaning of Self‐Care. The moral and emotional duty to care for the family member stemmed from obligation and responsibility towards patients (theme I). Interdependent care (theme II) between cardiac patients and their families emerged as a significant cultural role. Family members play multiple supportive roles in care‐giving namely emotional, informational and instrumental role (theme III). Conclusion In this study, family caregiver role is shown to be based in the sense of obligation and duty towards the sick family member who collectively provide different types of supportive care. Relevance to clinical practice Nurses have to give significant importance to the family caregiver role as an integral part of any culturally sensitive patient/family intervention.