Evaluation of the quality of life among caregivers of patients receiving palliative care

Aim: To assess the quality of life of relatives of palliative care patients and to raise awareness about practices that may improve it. Methods: In this cross-sectional analytical study, the data collection form and the SF-36 Quality of Life Scale were applied to the participants. The study was conducted with 409 relatives of patients who cared for inpatients in the Palliative Care Department of Izmir City Hospital between 25.02.2024–25.08.2024. Results: Among the caregivers included in the study, 71.1% neglected themselves, 69.7% had restricted social lives, 61.9% had sleep problems, and felt that their quality of life had declined since becoming a caregiver. However, receiving professional training about the caregiving process and being informed about legal rights increased the quality of caregiver's lives. Conclusion: Family physicians should focus on both caregivers and patients, supporting caregivers psychosocially, and provide education on palliative care and legal rights.