Journal of evaluation in clinical practice
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Family caregivers of persons with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and cognitive and/or behavioural impairments (PALS/CIs) experience various challenges and needs, including emotional and practical support from peers. Various forms of peer-support have shown different strengths and weaknesses; however, little is known about how family caregivers of PALS/CIs interact with and perceive virtual face-to-face peer-support. ⋯ Virtual face-to-face peer-support can enable caregivers of PALS/CIs to share experiences of everyday life challenges that cannot always be shared elsewhere. Being able to relate to and learn from other's experiences alleviated feelings of loneliness, frustration, and concerns and thereby enhanced comprehensibility, manageability and meaningfulness. Online palliative rehabilitation interventions should provide an opportunity for caregivers to meet regularly in interactive group meetings. Familiarization takes time online and is necessary to improve their sense of feeling safe to share their deepest thoughts. Such group interventions, facilitated by trained healthcare professionals, offer a means to support dynamic group interactions and discussion of sensitive topics.