Adopting the Role of Caregiver of Chronic Patients: Specific Situation Theory

Objective: To present the proposal for a specific situation theory on adopting the role of caregiver of chronic patients. Materials and methods: Based on Meleis and Im’s integrating strategy, multiple information sources were employed to develop this theory. Results: This prescriptive theory derives from Meleis’ mid-range theory based on an exhaustive literature review and the authors’ practical and research experience. The information was integrated into core concepts such as caregiver’s transition, caregiver role insufficiency, nature and conditions of the transition, nursing transitional care for the caregiver, and healthy transition. Assertions were also derived, such as the adoption of the caregiver role influencing the response patterns or the result indicators related to the caregiver’s quality of life and perception of burden. Finally, a theoretical process and an empirical indicator called ROLE are described. Conclusions: This theoretical development recognizes the process faced by caregivers in adopting their role in the care of chronic patients and guides possible nursing interventions to favor a healthy transition.