The impact of an educational intervention in caregiving outcomes in Jordanian caregivers of patients receiving hemodialysis: A single group pre-and-post test

OBJECTIVES: Chronic renal failure affects the physiological, psychological, functional ability, and independent status of the patient, which might result in a burden to the family members caring for them. The objective of the study was to identify caregivers' level of burden and establish the impact of educational intervention programs on caregiving outcomes. METHODS: This was a one-group pre-test post-test study conducted between April and August 2017 on family caregivers of hemodialysis patients. A convenient sample of 169 caregivers was used. A socio-demographic questionnaire, the OBCS, and BCOS were utilized for data collection, which occurred at baseline and two weeks post-intervention. The collected data were analyzed using SPSS where t-test determined the impact of the intervention. RESULTS: Caregivers were found to be moderately burdened (M = 2.73, SD = 0.23) and their lives had changed for the worst as a result of caregiving (M = 3.17, SD = 5.89). There were significant differences in caregiving outcome scores before and after the intervention (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Caring for patients receiving hemodialysis adds extra responsibilities to the caregivers' schedule thus leaving them substantially burdened. Educating caregivers on the required care eased their burden and improved caregiving outcomes. Recommendations are made that healthcare professionals should assess caregiver burden, and address their physical and mental health needs. Caregivers should also be regularly educated on the regular caregiving tasks to ease their burden.