[Effectiveness of problem solving technique applied by nurses: decreased anxiety and depression in family caregivers].

OBJECTIVE

To determine the effectiveness of Problem Solving Technique in reducing anxiety and depression, and increased perceived well-being in women family caregivers of chronic patients.

DESIGN

A clinical trial FIELD OF STUDY: Health centres in Tarragona, Spain, during 2007-2011.

PARTICIPANTS

A sample 122 caregivers of patients in home care programs that met the inclusion criteria, were assigned to intervention or control group according to a simple random process.

INTERVENTIONS

In the experimental group, the nurses applied the Problem Solving Technique to the caregiver according to a four-session protocol. The nurses provided the usual care to the caregivers In the control group. One month after intervention, the dependent vriables were measured again in both groups. PRINCIPAL MEASUREMENT: The dependent variables of anxiety and depression were measured using the Goldberg scale, and the emotional well-being variable by the scale of emotional health of the primary caregiver.

RESULTS

A statistically significant improvement was detected in the anxiety and depression symptoms, as well as the perceived well-being in the intervention group compared to the control group.

CONCLUSIONS

Implementation of the Problem Solving Technique is a useful therapeutic tool for reducing symptoms of distress in family caregivers of chronic patients.