Korean J Adult Nurs.  2021 Oct;33(5):415-426. 10.7475/kjan.2021.33.5.415.

Dyadic Research of Patients and Their Family Caregivers in the Context of Chronic Illness: Current Status and Challenges

• Son YJ

• KMID: 2521802
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.7475/kjan.2021.33.5.415

Abstract

Purpose
This narrative review aims to provide an introduction and overview of dyadic research within the context of chronic illness. In addition, some methodological considerations and future directions for conducting dyadic research are presented.
Methods
The focus of this review is on adult participants in dyads and with chronic illness based on the previous studies and literatures on dyadic science.
Results
Theory of Dyadic Illness Management and Dyadic Regulation-Connectivity Model (DR-CM) may be appropriate for performing dyadic research. At present, there is a lack of qualitative and quantitative knowledge on the dyadic approach for research on chronic diseases. Dyadic health interventions for building collaborative relationships within a dyad may be beneficial to improve dyadic health outcomes. This article addressed some of the challenges regarding recruitment, data collection, and analysis when it comes to planning dyadic research pertaining to chronic illnesses.
Conclusion
Healthcare professionals should prioritize needs and preferences at the dyadic level when designing effective chronic disease management. Particularly, it is critical to regularly monitor the dyadic relationships or type of dyadic care during illness trajectories. More research should be undertaken on patient-family caregiver dyads in chronic care, considering the various types of chronic diseases and cultural diversities.

Keyword

Chronic disease; Dyadic research; Family caregivers; Patients; Review literature as topic