Increased life expectancy, technical advances in treatment and symptom control and the extension of palliative care in the community has resulted in family care givers often being responsible for providing the greater part of patient care including management of complex medication regimes. This literature review looked at 15 articles on this topic. The findings showed that family caregivers often struggle to manage medications for someone dying at home yet there is an expectation they will take on this role. Five key themes were identified around administration, organisational skills, empowerment, relationships and support.
Wilson, E. et al. 2018. Managing medicines for patients dying at home: a review of family caregivers' experiences. Journal of Pain and Symptom Management, September 11 epub - online
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