[Difficulties and needs of family caregivers of elderly patients in the care pathway and medication management].

OBJECTIVES

To identify the difficulties and needs of family caregivers within the care pathway and pharmaceutical management of elderly patients, an area that remains underexplored to date.

METHODS

A qualitative study using semi-structured interviews was conducted with family caregivers accompanying a polymedicated older patient to a geriatric day hospital at a university hospital center. A purposive maximum-variation sampling strategy was used to select participants. Interviews were analyzed using inductive thematic analysis with researcher triangulation.

RESULTS

Thirteen caregivers with diverse profiles were interviewed between February and April 2024. Their involvement in overall care was substantial, including care coordination, emotional support, administrative management, and organization of home care. This responsibility was associated with a multidimensional burden (physical, psychological, social, and financial), which evolves over time and may impact caregivers' health. Involvement in pharmaceutical care was heterogeneous and included medication supply management, medical device handling, monitoring of adverse drug reactions, and occasionally treatment adjustments. Reported difficulties mainly concerned care coordination, securing the medication-use process, and lack of information. Caregivers expressed a need for empowerment, recognition, and support from healthcare professionals.

CONCLUSION

Healthcare professionals have a responsibility to identify and support family caregivers of older adults in order to ensure close follow-up and prevent adverse effects on their health. Systematic integration of the caregiver-patient dyad into pharmaceutical care represents a lever for improving geriatric practices and preventing caregiver burnout.