Healthcare and social care professionals’ experiences of respite care: a critical incident study

ABSTRACT

Introduction

Aging in place is favoured among older persons and supported by research in Sweden, although it poses challenges for overburdened informal caregivers. While respite care can offer support, its accessibility is hindered by organizational challenges and informal caregivers’ delays in using it. The experiences of informal caregivers are well-studied, but the professionals’ experiences of respite care quality and critical incident management are underexplored.

Aim

To explore professionals’ experiences of critical incidents in respite care, consequences for the persons being cared for, and strategies to manage critical incidents.

Materials and methods

A qualitative, critical incident technique was used, and three group interviews with a total of 16 professionals were conducted.

Results

Barriers to quality respite care included communication gaps during care transitions, environmental shortcomings in respite care facilities, lack of support for informal caregivers, and inadequacies in respite care decisions. Strategies to manage critical incidents included individualized care, continuity and communication in care transitions, a conducive environment, support for informal caregivers, and care professionals’ positive approach.

Conclusions

The study emphasizes the need for focused efforts on communication, continuity, and a supportive environment. Addressing identified challenges and applying suggested strategies will be key to maximizing the potential of respite care as a vital support for care recipients and their informal caregivers.

KEYWORDS:

• Critical incident technique
• informal care
• group interviews
• older adults
• professional caregivers
• qualitative research
• respite care

Acknowledgments

We wish to express our sincere gratitude to all participants in the study who shared their experiences and thoughts so generously with us. We also thank Eskilstuna municipality and Research and Development in Sörmland.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Data availability statement

Data are available upon request.

Additional information

Funding

This work received financial support from Eskilstuna municipality.

Notes on contributors

Annelie K. Gusdal

Annelie K Gusdal is a registered nurse, district nurse and holds a PhD in Caring Science. She works as a senior lecturer in Caring Science at Mälardalen University, primarily teaching and conducting research in the areas of primary care, elderly care, home health care, and health and welfare technology.

Mirkka Söderman

Mirkka Söderman is a registered nurse, specialist nurse in oncological care and holds a PhD in Medical Science. She works as a senior lecturer in Caring Science at Mälardalen University, primarily teaching and conducting research in the areas of primary care, elderly care, home health care, and intensive home rehabilitation.

Tina Pettersson

Tina Pettersson is a registered nurse, district nurse and holds a master’s degree in Caring Science. She works as a lecturer in Caring Science and as a clinical lecturer in the nursing program at Mälardalen University.

Jaana Kaup

Jaana Kaup is a registered nurse, specialist nurse in oncological care and holds a master’s degree in nursing science. She works as a lecturer in Caring Science and as a clinical lecturer in the nursing program at Mälardalen University.

Lena-Karin Gustafsson

Lena-Karin Gustafsson is a registered nurse, holds a PhD in Health Sciences and an Associate Professor in Care Science. She works as a senior lecturer in Caring Science at Mälardalen University, primarily teaching and conducting research in the areas of primary care, elderly care, home health care, and intensive home rehabilitation.