Determination of the Problems Experienced by Patients with Chronic Diseases and Their Caregivers During Home Care Process From Nursing Students’ Perspectives: A Phenomenological Study

Aim: This qualitative study was conducted to determine the problems experienced by patients with chronic diseases and their caregivers during the home care process from nursing students' perspectives. Methods: Phenomenological method of qualitative research was used in the study. Data was gathered via in-depth interviews with seven nursing students who had a family member with chronic disease. Students were asked about the problems they and their family members experienced during the home care process with a semi-structured questionnaire. Data obtained from the interviews were analyzed using content analysis. Results: As a result of thematic analysis, problems experienced by the patients with chronic diseases and their caregivers during the home care process are grouped under five main themes. These problems were physical problems, social problems, financial problems, psychological problems, and treatment-related problems. Conclusion: This research revealed that the home care process of patients with chronic diseases causes various problems for both patients and their caregivers. Therefore, it is necessary to be aware of these problems, increase the quality of home care services and ensure the continuity of home care. In this way, physiological, psychological, financial, social, and treatment-related problems can be prevented. Keywords: caregivers, chronic disease, family health, home care, nursing students