Patricia J. Bradley

Voices of Mexican American caregivers for family members with cancer: on becoming stronger.

This grounded theory study report describes the experience of 34 Mexican American (MA) female caregivers who provided care to a family member with cancer. Caregivers identified a process of “Becoming Stronger” as a result of their caregiver role. The emerging theoretical model of female MA cancer caregiving offers evidence to change current cancer care approaches from patient-focused to family-focused care for this ethnic group. Findings suggest that changes most responsive to cultural values and likely to provide accessible and quality cancer care for MA families are those that involve active partnering with MA caregivers to prioritize the patients cancer care.

Home healthcare nurses should regain their family focus.

A study was conducted to examine how frequently family caregivers of home care clients may be potentially eligible for Medicare-reimbursable home health services. In a sample of 51 family caregivers, 90% had health-teaching needs, 94% needed referrals, and 28% were potentially eligible to receive Medicare-reimburseable home health services.

What we can learn from the British maternal child health system.

Infants born in Great Britain have a better chance of living until their first birthdays than do infants born in the United States. Although Great Britain spends less than half what the United States spends on healthcare, its estimated infant mortality rate was 5.5 as compared to 6.8 in the United States in 2001 (Central Intelligence Agency [CIA], 2001). What is different about healthcare in Great Britain? This article details some of the differences, suggesting that there are ways the United States can improve its infant mortality rates.