Effects of Nursing Care Provided to Relatives of Palliative Care Patients on Caregivers' Spiritual Well-being and Hope

Effects of Nursing Care Provided to the Relatives of Palliative Care Patients on Caregivers' Spiritual Well-being and Hope: A Randomised Controlled Trial

The aim of this study is to determine the effects of nursing care provided based on the Watson's Theory of Human Caring to the relatives of palliative care patients on caregivers' spiritual well-being and hope. This research was conducted with 60 patient relatives (intervention group: 30, control group: 30) taking care of their patient in palliative care unit.

Every year, millions of patients as well as millions of patients are primarily involved in the palliative care process. It is emphasized that from the very start of palliative care process until grievance stage, patient relatives require a myriad of physical, psychological, social and spiritual needs. It has been widely reported that among relatives of palliative care patients, there is a high incidence of mental distress, depression, anxiety, sleep disturbance, fear and despair. The maintain of hope and spiritual well-being are important in dealing with this difficult process. Accordingly, nursing care is important, which supports the hope and spiritual well-being of patients' relatives. Nursing care that supports hope and focuses on spiritual dimensions is important in Watson's Human Care Theory.

Inclusion Criteria:

• aged 18 and above
• willingness and motivation to participate in research
• literacy
• being the primary caregiver
• lack of mental or verbal deficiency to respond the questions

Exclusion Criteria:

• aged 18 below
• unwilling to participate in research
• illiterate
• non-primary caregiver
• mental or communicative disabilities