CAREGIVERS: AN UNTAPPED RESOURCE TO IMPROVE PERSON-CENTERED DIETARY CARE OF PEOPLE WITH CHRONIC KIDNEY DISEASE?
Georgina Lockwood1, Lucimay Davey2, Nicholas A Gray2,3, Catherine McFarlane1, Hattie H Wright2,4 1Allied Health, Sunshine Coast Hospital and Health Service, Birtinya, Queensland, Australia2School of Health, University of the Sunshine Coast, Sippy Downs, Queensland, Australia3Renal Unit, Sunshine Coast Hospital and Health Service, Birtinya, Queensland, Australia4Sunshine Coast Health Institute, Birtinya, Queensland, Australia
Abstract
Aim: To explore the perceptions of caregivers of people with chronic kidney disease (CKD) on their role in meal provision and providing support to follow dietary recommendations for their care recipients.
Background: Caregivers play an important role in supporting their care recipient to navigate their health needs including adherence to dietary recommendations which are complex and multifaceted.
Methods: Volunteer caregivers of people with stage 1-5 CKD were recruited from a single centre. Semi-structured interviews informed by the theory of planned behaviour explored caregivers’ perceptions on their role in i) supporting their care recipients to follow dietary recommendations, and ii) provision of healthy meals to their care recipients. Interviews were recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analysed thematically.
Results: Twelve caregivers (aged 38 to 74 years, 100% female) were included. Their care recipients were mostly male (n=11), aged 33 to 83 years, and nine had multi-morbidity. Eight themes were identified of which four described perceived behavioural control: i) meal provision is dynamic and complex, ii) food literacy is important particularly during financial hardship, iii) understanding nutrition information, iv) awareness of community food programs and affordable food sources. Two themes described attitude towards meal provision and support: i) healthy diets support overall health, and ii) balancing food enjoyment with disease management. Subjective norm included themes on i) caregiver’s sense of social responsibility, and ii) level of support from community, health service and care recipient.
Conclusion: Caregivers are well placed to provide nutrition support to their care recipients and want to support healthy eating and dietary adherence of care recipients. Empowering caregivers with sound food literacy skills may improve person-centred care.
Biography
Georgina is an accredited practicing dietitian (APD) and senior dietitian working within the renal unit at the Sunshine Hospital and Health Service. Georgina has a special interest in diet quality and chronic disease management, particularly in the acute care setting. She is a member of Dietitians Australia (DA) and the Queensland branch of the DA Kidney Interest Group.