Impact of palliative care consultation services on the resilience of family caregivers of patients with terminal illness

Family caregivers (FCs) face numerous challenges and significant stress when caring for patients with terminal illness. Palliative care consultation services (PCCS) provides comprehensive physical, psychological, social and spiritual support for both patients and FCs. This study examined changes in the resilience of FCs of patients with terminal illness following PCCS. This pre- and post-test study involved 30 FCs of patients with terminal illness. A structured questionnaire, including demographics and the Connor–Davidson Resilience Scale, was used to collect data at baseline (immediately before initiation of PCCS) and follow-up (on the day following the initial PCCS consultation) at a medical center in northern Taiwan. Descriptive statistics and generalized estimating equations were used to examine changes in resilience following PCCS. Exploratory univariable and multivariable GEE analyses were further conducted to examine caregiver- and patient-related characteristics associated with resilience. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. Resilience scores were significantly higher at follow-up than at baseline (70.2 ± 2.4 vs. 66.1 ± 2.5, p < 0.001). Specifically, age, education level, employment status, relationship with the patient, and self-perceived health status of FCs, as well as education level, marital status, and religious beliefs of the patients were associated with FCs’ resilience. FCs’ resilience was higher following PCCS. However, because of the exploratory single-group pre–post design and limited sample size, the observed increase cannot be interpreted as evidence of a causal effect of PCCS. These findings provide preliminary evidence of an association between PCCS and caregiver resilience. A comprehensive, caregiver-inclusive approach may help support resilience among FCs during end-of-life care. Further adequately powered controlled studies are needed to clarify the role of PCCS in supporting caregiver resilience.