Boon Chong Se To1, Sukumar Mahesan1, Keat Hwa Lee1, Patimah Ahmad1, Shafie Ooyub2, Ahmad Tajuddin Jaafar2, Kevin Moissinac3
1. Hospital Pulau Pinang
2. Ministry of Health Malaysia
3. Penang Medical College.
Correspondence: Dr Kevin Moissinac; e-mail:
CITATION: Boon Chong Se To, Sukumar Mahesan, Keat Hwa Lee, Patimah Ahmad, Shafie Ooyub, Ahmad Tajuddin Jaafar, et al. Can relatives contribute effectively to inpatient care? International Medical Research Journal. 2001;5(2):65–7.
ABSTRACT
Relatives of inpatients frequently request visit passes to enable them to be present out of visiting hours to help in the activities of daily living of the patient. A prospective study was undertaken to evaluate whether relatives can contribute effectively to inpatient care as voluntary carers. Over a nine-month period, 59 (34.3%) out of 169 bedridden patients and their relatives participated in the study. The professional carers evaluated the role of voluntary carers and on discharge, the patients and their relatives were interviewed. The majority of the voluntary carers fulfilled their role either very well (44.8%) or fairly well (44.8%). No major problems were encountered. Minor problems encountered included worrying about the family at home, fatigue and having to take time off from work. Relatives contributing as voluntary carers can ease work commitments of professional carers enabling them to concentrate on the medical needs of the more severely ill. Voluntary carers appreciate the difficulties and joys of caring for the ill and whilst in hospital may observe and acquire basic nursing skills, which will stand them in good stead for continuing care of the patient on discharge. In enlisting voluntary carers it should be ensured that as far as possible, their usual domestic and socio-economic commitments are not compromised.
KEYWORDS: relatives, inpatient care
