A DESCRIPTIVE STUDY OF THE SELF-PERCEIVED NEEDS OF CARERS FOR DEPENDENTS WITH A RANGE OF LONG-TERM PROBLEMS

Background This study aimed to identify qualitatively the need for hea lth and social care of carers looking after dependants from different patient groups in a geographically defined area - Fife, Scotland. It w as the first stage of a systematic process designed to assess and meet carers' needs. Method Subjects for the study were unpaid (or 'informa l') carers looking after dependants who were known to statutory or vol untary services. A series of 14 focus group discussions with carers of dependants from seven different patient groups took place. The main o utcome measure was the qualitative descriptions of carers' self-report ed health and social needs. Results Needs 'common' to carers across al l care groups were identified. These related to the need for: informat ion (diagnostic, prognostic and where to obtain help), improved commun ication with professionals, relief from stress, respite care, training and practical support. Within each area of 'common' need, carers had specific needs, which related to the particular needs of their dependa nt. There were also needs that were identified by carers from one or m ore patient groups. Carers did not necessarily recognize themselves as carers at an early stage in their caring career, Therefore, their dep endants' early medical contact with their general practitioner or hosp ital specialist was seen by carers as a crucial point at which their o wn needs for information and help could be recognized. Other opportuni ties for health professionals to help carers related to involving care rs in case management, the provision of counselling and training carer s to provide care themselves. Conclusion Many of the needs described b y carers were of a social nature. However, carers also described needs relating to the health services - health professionals need to be pro active in recognizing carers' health and information needs and are req uired to recognize carers' contribution to the welfare of their depend ant, In Fife, a multi-faceted approach was used to meet these needs. T he challenge for the health service is to find a way to do this at a n ational level.