"I can't do it Alone ..." - Analysis of Needs of Family Caregivers in End of Life Care in the Discharge Process from the Hospital

Background The study analyzes the needs and burdens of family carers of palliative care patients during the discharge process to improve it with adapted interventions. Methods 10 qualitative interviews with relatives of palliative patients in the process of discharge were conducted and a questionnaire on personal needs was collected. The interviews were analyzed using content analysis, the questionnaire was analyzed descriptively. Results The analysis of the interviews yielded: decision-making, organizational and information needs, and psychosocial needs as core topics. Care at home, which is taken for granted, results in fears of one's own failure and a need for information about support options, for example the palliative care services. Conclusion Informational conversations, written information and involvement in hospital care can support relatives in home care. Early education about palliative care is important to estimate care at home and support options realistically.