The needs of the family caregivers of patients with end-stage chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: a qualitative study in Iran

Patients with end-stage chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) experience severe symptoms and complications and are dependent on their family caregivers (FCs). Their FCs also face different challenges and have different needs during their caregiving. However, there are limited data about their needs. The aim of this study was to explore the needs of the FCs of patients with end-stage COPD. This descriptive qualitative study was conducted in 2024–2025. Participants were thirty FCs of patients with end-stage COPD and fifteen healthcare providers purposefully selected from two teaching hospitals and a comprehensive respiratory care clinic in Isfahan, Iran. Data were gathered via semi-structured interviews and were simultaneously analyzed using Graneheim and Lundman’s conventional content analysis. The needs of the FCs of patients with end-stage COPD came into five main categories, namely the need for caregiving knowledge and skill development, the need for supportive social structures, the need for mental support, the need for reducing caregiving burden, and the need for constructive and empathetic patient-oriented interactions. Their subcategories were related to the need for education, skill development, financial support, organizational home care facilitators, palliative care services, psychological counseling, personal need management, healthcare providers’ attention, and experiences sharing. The FCs of patients with end-stage COPD have diverse and complex needs. The findings of this study can improve healthcare authorities’ understanding of the needs of these FCs and facilitate the development of need-based interventions to reduce caregiving-related problems and complications.