Core elements to understand and improve coping with Parkinson's disease in patients and family carers: A focus group study

  1. Navarta-Sánchez, M.V. 3
  2. Caparrós, N. 2
  3. Riverol Fernández, M. 1
  4. Díaz De Cerio Ayesa, S. 4
  5. Ursúa Sesma, M.E. 6
  6. Portillo, M.C. 5
  1. 1 Clínica Universitaria de Navarra
    info

    Clínica Universitaria de Navarra

    Pamplona, España

    ROR https://ror.org/03phm3r45

  2. 2 Universidad de La Rioja
    info

    Universidad de La Rioja

    Logroño, España

    ROR https://ror.org/0553yr311

  3. 3 Universidad de Navarra
    info

    Universidad de Navarra

    Pamplona, España

    ROR https://ror.org/02rxc7m23

  4. 4 Navarre Association of Parkinson's patients, Pamplona, Navarre, Spain
  5. 5 University of Southampton
    info

    University of Southampton

    Southampton, Reino Unido

    ROR https://ror.org/01ryk1543

  6. 6 San Juan Primary Health Centre, Navarre Service of Health-Osasunbidea, Pamplona, Navarre, Spain
Revista:
Journal of Advanced Nursing

ISSN: 0309-2402

Any de publicació: 2017

Volum: 73

Número: 11

Pàgines: 2609-2621

Tipus: Article

DOI: 10.1111/JAN.13335 SCOPUS: 2-s2.0-85020424894 WoS: WOS:000418363000013 GOOGLE SCHOLAR

Altres publicacions en: Journal of Advanced Nursing

Resum

Aims: The aim of this study were: (1) To explore the meaning that coping with Parkinson's disease has for patients and family carers; (2) To suggest the components of an intervention focused on enhancing their coping with the disease. Background: Adapting to Parkinson's disease involves going through many difficult changes; however, it may improve quality of life in patients and family carers. One of the key aspects for facilitating the psychosocial adjustment to Parkinson's disease is the strengthening of coping skills. Design: A sequential explanatory mixed methods study was carried out. Findings from the qualitative phase are presented. Methods: Data were collected in May 2014 through three focus groups: one of people with Parkinson's disease (n = 9), one of family carers (n = 7) and one of healthcare professionals (n = 5). All focus groups were digitally recorded and transcribed verbatim and content analysis was independently carried out by two researchers. Findings: The participants coincided in highlighting that coping with Parkinson's disease helped the patient and the family carer in their search for balance; and it implied a transformation in their lives. To aid the process of coping with Parkinson's disease, a multifaceted intervention is proposed. Conclusion: Coping with Parkinson's disease is a complex process for both patients and family carers and it should therefore be considered a standard service in healthcare policies aimed at this group. The proposed intervention constitutes a nursing tool which has great potential to improve the quality of life in Parkinson's disease and in other long-term conditions. © 2017 John Wiley & Sons Ltd