[Distance caregiving? : A qualitative interview study with distance caregivers].

BACKGROUND

Family caregivers are important players in both inpatient and domestic healthcare. As a result of increasing mobility many also perform care over geographical distances.

OBJECTIVE

The article highlights the opportunities and challenges of distance caregiving from a distance caregivers' perspective. Data were collected as part of the binational research and development project on distance caregiving, which investigated various dimensions of distance caregiving with an interdisciplinary team from Germany (Protestant University Ludwigsburg) and Switzerland (Careum University of Applied Sciences Zurich). To date empirical results exist mainly for the Anglo-American region. This study provides hitherto lacking empirical findings for Germany and Switzerland.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The study was based on 49 guideline-based, partially narrative interviews (Germany: N = 35; Switzerland: N = 14) with distance caregivers, who at the time of data collection were caring for a person at least 60 years old. The software-supported data analysis (MAXQDA 10) was carried out using deductive and inductive structuring content analysis according to Mayring.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSION

Distance caregivers provide substantial and diverse care and support tasks. A central challenge is the lack of up to date and reliable information regarding the care situation. This may lead to emotional strain; however, distance also results in relief for caregivers. A functioning network including well-defined agreements and transparent communication is crucial.