Submit to Special Issue Submit Abstract to Special Issue Review for Healthcare Propose a Special Issue

Journal Menu

Journal Browser

Promoting the Health of Caregivers: Addressing Physical, Psychosocial, and Spiritual Well-Being Across Acute and Chronic Care Settings

Print Special Issue Flyer
Editor
Special Issue Information
Keywords
Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue
Published Papers

A special issue of Healthcare (ISSN 2227-9032). This special issue belongs to the section "Mental Health and Psychosocial Well-being".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 5 April 2027 | Viewed by 14384

Share This Special Issue

Editor

Prof. Dr. Thalia Bellali

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor

Nursing Department, International Hellenic University, 57400 Thessaloniki, Greece
Interests: nursing; mental health/health psychology; communication skills and counselling; reproductive health; palliative care of children/adolescents and adults (cancer and non-cancer patients) with emphasis on care givers’ support; gerontological nursing; organ donation and transplantation; health care services management; research methodology (quantitative, qualitative and mixed approaches, systematic reviews and validation/psychometric studies for research tools)

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

We are pleased to invite you to submit your research contributions to this Special Issue of Healthcare, titled “Promoting the Health of Caregivers: Addressing Physical, Psychosocial, and Spiritual Well-Being Across Acute and Chronic Care Settings”.

Caregivers—formal (e.g., nurses, allied health professionals) and informal (e.g., family members or non-professional individuals providing paid or unpaid support)—play a vital role in the continuum of care for individuals with acute or chronic illnesses. However, the multifaceted burden on caregivers often leads to burnout, compassion fatigue, physical exhaustion, and diminished spiritual well-being. These effects are especially pronounced in high-demand care contexts, including acute medical situations (e.g., intensive care units, post-surgical phases, stroke onset) and particularly in palliative care settings involving cancer and non-cancer conditions such as oncology, neuromuscular disorders, disability, and long-term care.

Thus, the aim of this Special Issue is to investigate caregivers’ multidimensional needs across a variety of settings and explore and promote evidence-based interventions, innovative models of support, and preventive strategies to safeguard and enhance caregiver health. Emphasis will be placed on palliative care in both cancer and non-cancer diseases (e.g., dementia) and on the specific needs of professional caregivers working in critical settings. We welcome contributions that advance the understanding of caregiver resilience and identify systemic solutions that fill current gaps in the literature.

Original research (quantitative, qualitative, and mixed-method studies), systematic reviews, case studies, and theoretical perspectives are welcomed.

Research areas may include, but are not limited to, the following:

Assessment of caregiver needs and burden across settings;
Burnout, compassion fatigue, physical and spiritual distress;
Resilience-building and well-being interventions (e.g., mindfulness, physical activity);
Support strategies in acute care (ICU, stroke, post-surgery);
Palliative caregiving in cancer and non-cancer conditions (e.g., dementia, neuromuscular disorders);
Psycho-educational tools, digital aids, and peer support;
Family-centered and multidisciplinary support models;
Mental health impacts and interventions (e.g., anxiety, depression, trauma);
Workforce-related caregiver strain (nurses, allied professionals);
Ethical, policy, and system-level caregiver support solutions.

We look forward to receiving your contributions.

Prof. Dr. Thalia Bellali
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 250 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for assessment.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Healthcare is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2700 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

formal and informal caregiving
caregiver health and resilience
holistic well-being
burnout, compassion fatigue, and physical fatigue
palliative and acute care
neuromuscular disorders and disabilities
caregiver support interventions
nursing, allied health, and family caregivers

Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue

Ease of navigation: Grouping papers by topic helps scholars navigate broad scope journals more efficiently.
Greater discoverability: Special Issues support the reach and impact of scientific research. Articles in Special Issues are more discoverable and cited more frequently.
Expansion of research network: Special Issues facilitate connections among authors, fostering scientific collaborations.
External promotion: Articles in Special Issues are often promoted through the journal's social media, increasing their visibility.
Reprint: MDPI Books provides the opportunity to republish successful Special Issues in book format, both online and in print.

Further information on MDPI's Special Issue policies can be found here.

Published Papers (9 papers)

Download All Papers

Order results

Result details

Show export options Show export options

Select all

Export citation of selected articles as:

Research

Jump to: Other

13 pages, 2097 KB

Open AccessArticle

‘It Just Wears You Down’: A Qualitative Exploration of the Experiences and Wellness Needs of Organ Transplant Caregivers to Inform the Development of Support Resources

by Jenna A. P. Sim, Ashley L. Exall, Maneka A. Perinpanayagam, Debra L. Isaac, Kelly W. Burak, Stefan Mustata and S. Nicole Culos-Reed

Healthcare 2026, 14(12), 1679; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare14121679 - 12 Jun 2026

Viewed by 169

Abstract

Background/Objectives: Caregivers play a critical role in patient care across the pre- and post-transplant periods. However, the demands of caregiving can negatively impact caregivers’ own physical and psychosocial well-being. The Transplant Wellness Program (TWP) is a behavior change intervention that provides exercise support for pre- and post-kidney, pre- and post-liver, and post-lung transplant patients but has not yet included transplant caregivers. Thus, the purpose of this study was to explore the experiences and needs of organ transplant caregivers to inform the development of caregiver-specific support resources for the TWP. Methods: Semi-structured interviews with family caregivers of patients receiving kidney or liver transplant in the TWP were conducted and recorded via Zoom. Interview recordings were transcribed verbatim and analyzed using conventional content analysis. Results: Eight interviews were conducted, with caregivers in both the pre- (n = 4) and post-transplant (n = 4) periods. Four categories resulted from the data: caregiver strain, life changes, individual wellness needs, and caregiving needs. Nine sub-categories further described caregivers’ experiences and opportunities for wellness support. Conclusions: The caregiving experience was characterized by feelings of overwhelm, stress, and uncertainty. This study highlights the need for comprehensive services such as exercise classes, peer support programs, and tangible aide to support transplant caregivers’ well-being. Three caregiver resources were built out of this study and integrated into the TWP. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Promoting the Health of Caregivers: Addressing Physical, Psychosocial, and Spiritual Well-Being Across Acute and Chronic Care Settings)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

9 pages, 232 KB

Open AccessArticle

Illness Representations and Quality of Life Among Informal Cancer Caregivers: Examining the Role of Social Support

by Chryso Pallari and Eleni Epiphaniou

Healthcare 2026, 14(10), 1330; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare14101330 - 13 May 2026

Viewed by 1296

Abstract

Background/Objectives: The Common-Sense Model (CSM) explains the dynamic framework by which individuals understand and respond to health threats. Research utilizing the CSM highlights the importance of understanding not only patients but also informal caregivers’ cognitive schema regarding the patient’s condition, as these perceptions impact both the patient’s and the caregiver’s physical and mental health. This study examined whether informal cancer caregivers’ illness representations predict their quality of life (QoL) and whether social support moderates these relationships. Methods: A cross-sectional online survey was completed by 100 caregivers using validated measures of illness perceptions (IPQ-R), QoL (SF-36), and social support (MSPSS). Results: Regression analyses showed that perceived therapy control and emotional representations significantly predicted mental health-related QoL. Illness coherence predicted physical health-related QoL. Moderation analyses indicated that social support did not moderate relationships between illness representations and QoL. Conclusions: These findings suggest that caregivers’ cognitive and emotional interpretations of the patient’s illness play an important role in their well-being, whereas social support was not a significant moderator between illness beliefs and QoL related to physical and mental health. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Promoting the Health of Caregivers: Addressing Physical, Psychosocial, and Spiritual Well-Being Across Acute and Chronic Care Settings)

15 pages, 258 KB

Open AccessArticle

Post-Traumatic Stress, Compassion Fatigue, and Psychological Well-Being Among Critical Care Nurses in Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Study

by Sarah A. AlAbdalhai, Ali Kerari and Sanaa Ghulman

Healthcare 2026, 14(9), 1188; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare14091188 - 28 Apr 2026

Viewed by 738

Abstract

Background: Critical care nurses are frequently exposed to traumatic clinical events and occupational stress, increasing the risk of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), compassion fatigue, and compromised psychological well-being. However, the interrelationships among these variables in Saudi Arabia remain unclear. This study investigated the associations between PTSD symptoms, compassion fatigue, and psychological well-being among critical care nurses. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted between October and December 2025 with 210 critical care nurses from the Eastern and Riyadh regions of Saudi Arabia. Data were collected using the PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5), the Professional Quality of Life Scale, and the WHO-5 Well-Being Index. Data analysis included descriptive statistics, t-tests, one-way analysis of variance, Pearson’s correlation coefficients, and multiple linear regression. Results: The mean PCL-5 score was 27.44, with 38.1% of participants meeting the cutoff for probable PTSD. Compassion fatigue was moderate. The mean WHO-5 score was 54.60, indicating moderate well-being, though a substantial proportion reported poor well-being. Psychological well-being was negatively correlated with both PTSD symptoms and compassion fatigue, while PTSD symptoms were strongly positively correlated with compassion fatigue. Both PTSD and compassion fatigue independently predicted lower well-being, explaining 21% of the variance. Sociodemographic variables were not significant predictors after adjustment. Conclusions: Critical care nurses experience moderate PTSD symptoms and compassion fatigue, adversely affecting psychological well-being. These findings underscore the interconnected nature of trauma-related distress and professional quality of life, highlighting the need for routine psychological screening, trauma-informed support, and resilience-focused interventions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Promoting the Health of Caregivers: Addressing Physical, Psychosocial, and Spiritual Well-Being Across Acute and Chronic Care Settings)

14 pages, 248 KB

Open AccessArticle

Caregiver Burden in Caring for Family Members with Cancer in the Makkah Region, Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Study

by Nuha Mahdi and Hashim A. Mahdi

Healthcare 2026, 14(8), 1113; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare14081113 - 21 Apr 2026

Viewed by 388

Abstract

Background: The present study aimed to assess the caregiving burden among family caregivers of adult patients with various cancer types and stages in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), and to examine the associations with caregiver and patient characteristics. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study involving 212 family caregivers of cancer patients was conducted between March and April 2024 at King Abdullah Medical City in Makkah, KSA. The Arabic version of the Zarit Burden Interview (ZBI) scale was used to assess overall and specific burdens. Associations between overall burden and sociodemographic variables were analyzed using significance tests. Results: Over half (55%) of participants experienced burden, with a mean ZBI score of 26.33 ± 16.86, indicating a mild to moderate level. Low levels of psychological (7.34 ± 5.41), social (2.27 ± 2.93), physical (1.96 ± 2.22), and financial (1.22 ± 1.41) burdens were found. Financial difficulties and patient immobility significantly contributed to higher burden scores. Caregivers with financial hardships scored higher (31 ± 14.8 vs. 24 ± 17.3, p = 0.01), and those caring for bedridden patients experienced greater burdens (38 ± 21.8 vs. 18 ± 12.5, p = 0.001). Conclusions: Although financial difficulties and patient immobility significantly contribute to caregiver burden, the overall burden in the Makkah region remains relatively moderate. Strong cultural and familial support systems in KSA may alleviate challenges, yet coping strategies targeting financial and physical burdens are necessary. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Promoting the Health of Caregivers: Addressing Physical, Psychosocial, and Spiritual Well-Being Across Acute and Chronic Care Settings)

16 pages, 327 KB

Open AccessArticle

Pilot Study of Physical and Psychosocial Health Outcomes and Caregiver Burden in Mothers of Children with Physical Disabilities in Türkiye: A Cross-Sectional Analysis

by Ebrar Atak, Erdi Kayabınar, Büşra Kayabınar and Fatma Mutluay

Healthcare 2026, 14(5), 632; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare14050632 - 2 Mar 2026

Viewed by 547

Abstract

Background: Mothers caring for children with physical disabilities experience sustained physical and psychological demands; however, evidence simultaneously examining physical activity, functional limitation, pain, caregiver burden, and mental health within local caregiving contexts remains limited. Objective: This pilot study aimed to explore the multidimensional associations between physical and psychological health outcomes and health-related quality of life in mothers caring for children with physical disabilities in Türkiye. Methods: Forty volunteer mothers residing in Yalova, Türkiye, were assessed using the IPAQ–SF, BDI, SF-36, ZBI, ODI, DASH, and SF-MPQ. Data were analyzed in SPSS 26.0 using correlation analyses and exploratory multiple linear regression models, with p < 0.05 considered statistically significant. Descriptive statistics, Pearson or Spearman correlation analyses, and exploratory multiple linear regression models were applied. Results: The mean age was 38.52 ± 9.10 years. Depression (BDI) and functional limitation showed pronounced negative associations with quality-of-life domains (e.g., General Health: r = −0.749, p < 0.001). Moderate physical activity was associated with higher vitality, social functioning, and mental health (p < 0.05). Conclusions: The findings suggest co-occurring links between psychological distress and physical functioning in caregiving mothers. Within the exploratory scope of this pilot study, multidisciplinary approaches that integrate physiotherapy and psychosocial support may be relevant for supporting caregiver health needs. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Promoting the Health of Caregivers: Addressing Physical, Psychosocial, and Spiritual Well-Being Across Acute and Chronic Care Settings)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

28 pages, 677 KB

Open AccessArticle

Palliative Care Needs in Advanced Non-Malignant Chronic Conditions: A Qualitative Study of Greek Patients’ and Caregivers’ Perspectives

by Chrysovalantis Karagkounis, Christina Papachristou, Evgenia Minasidou and Thalia Bellali

Healthcare 2026, 14(4), 479; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare14040479 - 13 Feb 2026

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1202

Abstract

Background/Objectives: Palliative care (PC) has traditionally focused on patients with cancer and their families. However, individuals living with advanced non-malignant chronic diseases and their caregivers face comparable challenges that significantly affect their quality of life. This study aimed to explore the PC needs of patients with advanced non-malignant chronic conditions through the lived experiences of both patients and their informal caregivers. Methods: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with eight patients and nine caregivers recruited via the Municipality of Katerini “Help at Home” program (Jan–Mar 2025). Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim (in Greek), and analyzed inductively using reflexive thematic analysis. Ethical approval was obtained from the International Hellenic University (Ref. No. 18/22.12.2022), and official consent was gained from the Municipality of Katerini (Approval Ref. No. 7803-/30/01/2025). Results: Five themes emerged: (1) basic daily care and physical support; (2) psychosomatic and emotional impact; (3) social withdrawal and role change; (4) support systems and coping resources; and (5) experience with the healthcare system and organized care. Participants highlighted urgent needs for home-based physiotherapy/nursing, caregiver respite, and psychological support. Coping and resilience-related resources—expressed through family support, familiarity of the home environment, and spirituality—were described as essential mechanisms that helped dyads sustain home care and shaped how needs were experienced across multiple domains, particularly amid service gaps. Conclusions: These findings document complex, interlinked needs among patients with advanced non-malignant chronic conditions and their caregivers and support the development of community-based, integrated PC services. Larger, multicenter studies and the development/validation of a needs-assessment tool are recommended. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Promoting the Health of Caregivers: Addressing Physical, Psychosocial, and Spiritual Well-Being Across Acute and Chronic Care Settings)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

17 pages, 256 KB

Open AccessArticle

‘The Bird Fights Its Way Out of the Egg’: A Phenomenological Study of Nurses’ Lived Experiences of Self-Care in South Korea’s Closed Psychiatric Wards

by Haejin Shin and Younjae Oh

Healthcare 2026, 14(3), 320; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare14030320 - 27 Jan 2026

Viewed by 796

Abstract

Background/Objectives: Nurses working in closed psychiatric wards experience substantial psychosocial and spiritual burdens, emotional strain, and ethical tension due to continuous exposure to patients in crisis. As formal caregivers, nurses’ health and multidimensional well-being are essential for sustaining compassionate, dignity-preserving practice. However, the lived meaning of self-care within highly restrictive psychiatric environments remains insufficiently understood. This study explores how psychiatric nurses in South Korea experience and interpret self-care. Methods: A qualitative phenomenological design was used. Eight psychiatric nurses with more than three years of experience in closed psychiatric wards participated in in-depth, face-to-face interviews conducted between August 2018 and January 2019. Data were analysed using Colaizzi’s method to identify and synthesise essential themes. Results: Five categories captured the essence of nurses’ self-care experiences: (1) struggling to establish therapeutic roles as a psychiatric nurse; (2) conflating professional identity with ideals of good nursing; (3) recognising a gradual loss of motivation and hope to continue psychiatric nursing; (4) acknowledging the need to care for oneself and refocus on inner vitality; and (5) engaging in self-care through interactions with patients. Self-care was understood as a reflective, relational, and transformative process rather than as a set of stress-relief activities. Conclusions: Psychiatric nurses perceived self-care as an existential journey involving vulnerability, self-reflection, and renewal, which fostered both personal and professional growth. By framing self-care as an ethically grounded, relational practice that sustains therapeutic presence and safeguards moral and professional integrity, this study extends existing self-care literature beyond behavioural strategies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Promoting the Health of Caregivers: Addressing Physical, Psychosocial, and Spiritual Well-Being Across Acute and Chronic Care Settings)

25 pages, 1022 KB

Open AccessArticle

From Research to Practice: Implementing an Evidence-Based Intervention for Nurse Well-Being in a Healthcare System

by Amanda K. Bailey, Hong Tao and Amanda T. Sawyer

Healthcare 2025, 13(18), 2369; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare13182369 - 20 Sep 2025

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 6321

Abstract

Background: In response to the high prevalence of burnout in nursing, a hospital research team developed, studied, and implemented RISE (Resilience, Insight, Self-Compassion, Empowerment), a novel psychoeducational group program designed to reduce distress and promote well-being among professional caregivers, specifically nurses and nurse leaders. Pilot studies and randomized controlled trials showed positive results, and thus, the program was operationalized. Methods: This quality improvement/quality assurance (QI/QA) project involved scaling the program and gathering data to evaluate implementation and impact on well-being indicators. The intervention involves structured weekly (8–9 weeks) 90-min group sessions integrating mindfulness, cognitive-behavioral techniques, and acceptance and commitment therapy. Eight licensed mental health providers were trained and delivered the program. Implementation outcomes included adoption/stakeholder engagement, fidelity, provider satisfaction, participant engagement, and sustainability. Participant outcomes were measured through validated scales and participant feedback forms. The implementation process was examined at the participant, provider, and organizational levels to identify barriers and enabling factors. Results: The program was implemented in seven acute care hospitals. From January 2023 to December 2024, 160 participants completed the program. Effective implementation strategies included intensive training and supervision of qualified providers, multi-departmental collaborations, and rigorous fidelity monitoring. Quality improvement processes addressed challenges such as early attrition and administrative burden. Evaluation data from pre- and post-intervention surveys demonstrated statistically significant improvements in psychological outcomes, with high satisfaction reported by both participants and providers. Conclusion: The findings support the effective implementation of the program as part of a broader organizational strategy to address nurse burnout and workforce mental health. Lessons, implications, and future directions for healthcare leaders are discussed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Promoting the Health of Caregivers: Addressing Physical, Psychosocial, and Spiritual Well-Being Across Acute and Chronic Care Settings)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

Other

Jump to: Research

18 pages, 1000 KB

Open AccessSystematic Review

Micronutrient Supplementation in Frailty: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

by Themistoklis Paraskevas, Konstantinos Kotrokois, Tonia Vassilakou, Panagiotis Halvatsiotis, Theodora Psaltopoulou, Pavlos Sarafis and Theodoros N. Sergentanis

Healthcare 2025, 13(22), 2828; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare13222828 - 7 Nov 2025

Viewed by 1909

Abstract

Background/Objectives: Low levels of vitamins and minerals are linked to increased frailty, but the effectiveness of micronutrient supplementation remains debated. Methods: A systematic search of PubMed and Embase (end of search 10 June 2025) identified 21 randomized controlled trials from 33 articles assessing supplementation in frail individuals. Results: Regarding vitamin D supplementation, seven studies (2600 participants) reported all-cause mortality (pooled RR: 1.04, 95% CI: 0.83 to 1.31, I² = 35%) with moderate certainty of evidence, whereas only one study reported on the change in frailty levels. For multicomponent supplementation, four studies (180 participants) were identified on all-cause mortality, and two studies on change in frailty levels (pooled MD = −0.28, 95% CI: −0.71 to 0.16, I² = 0%) with very low certainty of evidence for both outcomes. Only one study investigated nicotinamide supplementation. Conclusions: Further research is needed to justify the prescription of micronutrient supplementation in this population. Future research in frailty should focus on longitudinal change in frailty levels, cognitive function, and functional measures. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Promoting the Health of Caregivers: Addressing Physical, Psychosocial, and Spiritual Well-Being Across Acute and Chronic Care Settings)

► Show Figures

Journal Menu

Journal Browser

Promoting the Health of Caregivers: Addressing Physical, Psychosocial, and Spiritual Well-Being Across Acute and Chronic Care Settings

Share This Special Issue

Editor

Special Issue Information

Keywords

Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue

Published Papers (9 papers)

Research

Other

Further Information

Guidelines

MDPI Initiatives

Follow MDPI