Burden and satisfaction experienced in relatives and patients during home hospitalisation in psychiatry

Abstract

Introduction. The role of caregivers is essential during home hospitalization since they act as co-therapists, being the level of responsibility experienced by them higher than usual. The objective of this study is to evaluate the burden experienced in the main caregivers and also to determine the level of satisfaction perceived in the main caregivers and in the patients attended in our home hospitalization unit (HADMar).

Methodology. Prospective observational study. All patients admitted to HADMar between May 2020 and April 2021 have been included. Socio-demographic and clinical data have been collected from the sample. To assess the degree of burden, the Zarit scale was used at the end of admission in the main caregivers. To determine the perceived satisfaction, the CRES-4 scale was administered at the end of admission to both the caregivers and the patients attended.

Results. 182 patients have been attended. Of them, 144 main caregivers answered the Zarit scale, being the mean score 49.59 (corresponding to mild burden). 152 caregivers answered the CRES-4 scale, obtaining a mean score of 241.75 (out of a possible maximum of 300). 158 patients answered the CRES-4 scale and the mean score was 242.57.

Conclusions. Data obtained indicate that the burden perceived by the main caregivers acting as co-therapists during intensive home follow-up is mild. It can also be concluded that both patients and primary caregivers feel satisfied with the care received during follow-up at HADMar.