Palliative care management by caregivers in home care: theoretical validation in a conversation circle

OBJECTIVES: to present the validation process of a Grounded Theory on the management of palliative care at home by a caregiver of a family member who experiences a death/dying process. METHODS: a qualitative, explanatory research, which validated a theoretical matrix through a conversation circle containing 15 family caregivers and nine healthcare professionals, in December 2018. RESULTS: forty-six propositions were validated regarding family caregivers’ contextual, causal, intervening conditions, consequences and action strategies to deal with the dying and death process of a family member. Conversation circles encouraged dialogue and (re)signification of the senses and knowledge of those involved, proving to be a way of educating and promoting the exercise of citizenship by participants. FINAL CONSIDERATIONS: the conversation circle made it possible for participants to interact and share information and experiences regarding home care for palliative patients and their families.