Table 2 Thematic structure
Theme | Summary | Sub-theme |
|---|---|---|
“Systems seem to get in the way” – challenges within support systems | Caregivers had to navigate complex health and social care systems while seeking and obtaining formal and informal support which presented a number of challenges for caregivers | • “Pushed from pillar to post” - finding your way through health and social care systems • Changing social networks • Systems don’t meet our needs • People don’t understand CKD |
Relying on yourself | Caregivers had to identify and access support independently to meet their needs. However, such self-reliance may leave support access barriers unaddressed | • Leveraging existing skills and networks • “We can’t just go out and find it” • When beliefs get in the way |
Support systems can “take the pressure off” | Support systems had the ability to reduce the stress and burden caregivers were experiencing if they possessed certain qualities | • Empathetic support that “instinctively knows” what you need • Support you can count on |