The purpose of this study was to understand the views of hospitalized patients regarding family/informal caregivers (ICs). In this study thematic content analysis was used, interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and coded. The 4 themes and 11 subthemes were determined. Themes: Identity of IC, expectations of IC, feelings about the presence or absence of an IC. Along with feeling positive emotions when ICs were present, patients also felt as though they were a burden on caregivers. Family caregivers are an important social support for patients and they may lead to more meaningful patient outcomes globally.
Keywords: Emotions; family caregivers; inpatients; qualitative research.