Health Care Professionals Caring for Elderly Relatives: Investigating the Health Effects of DDC (2008-2011)

Purpose

The purpose of the study is to test the model of double duty caregiving (DDC) and to determine if and to what degree DDC impacts the health of professional caregivers.

Study Goals

By using both quantitative and qualitative approaches, we are making visible what has been “invisible”- caregiving at the juncture of professional and personal caregiving domains. We hope that study findings will inform health professional policies (e.g. Best Practice Guidelines (BPGs)) related to the blurring of professional and personal boundaries among male and female RNs in Canada. In keeping with the theoretical framework of the study and with past practices of the investigative team, researchers work with health providers, professional organizations and policy makers to promote the uptake of the study findings, work to inform the development of policies and/or develop new policies, and plan future research to evaluate the proposed policy recommendations. Ultimately, study findings will promote an evidenced-base partnership approach that will address the potential health effects of double duty caregiving.

Phase I – Quantitative (survey)

We used a cross-sectional survey design to validate the measurement scales employed in the proposed DDC model, and to test the following hypotheses:

1. Expectations have a positive effect on Caregiving Interface;
2. Supports have a negative effect on Caregiving Interface;
3. Making Connections and Setting Limits have a negative effect on Caregiving Interface;
4. Caregiving Interface has a negative effect on Health.

3700 male and female RNs in British Columbia, Ontario, and Nova Scotia were invited to complete a mailed or online survey, with the aim to test the DDC Measurement Model.

Structural Equation Modeling techniques are being used to conduct these tests. Furthermore, comparison of DDC scores by gender with respect to health status, well-being, and burnout are also being conducted.

Phase II – Qualitative (interview)

A grounded theory approach was used to further explore the three proposed prototypes of DDC (making it work, working to manage and living on the edge). Using a purposive sample of DDCs selected from Phase I who fall within these prototypes, we explored how male and female DDCs mediate the caregiving interface and resulting health effects. Through the use of repeat interviews (Time 1 and Time 2), theoretical sampling helped to enhance our understanding of the possible caregiver oscillation within these three DDC prototypes found in our initial qualitative work of DDC. Participants were also asked to describe the impact of policies (or lack of) on their health as DDCs and to recommend any changes that could address their issues/concerns.

Concurrent with data collection, data are being analyzed using the constant comparison methods of constructivist grounded theory, modifying the emerging theory such that it fits both the new data and the relevant constructs within the prototypes of DDC.

Scientific Executive Summary - April 2011 (contact Principal Investigator for copyright)