Thomas Sian, Price Melda
Aneurin Bevan Health Board, Newport, Wales.
Nurs Child Young People. 2012 Oct;24(8):24-7. doi: 10.7748/ncyp2012.10.24.8.24.c9338.
To evaluate the experience of nursing respite care in families caring for children with complex health needs.
Seven mothers took part in semi-structured, in-depth interviews, which were taped, transcribed and coded. Results were categorised thematically.
Families described a positive impact on all aspects of life, the high value of respite care and the preference for more information, flexibility, choice and co-ordination of the different services.
Respite care is highly beneficial to family life, but there need to be clearer communication lines and a stable, flexible and adequately resourced workforce. Families value a single point of contact and would prefer more respite care to be available.
