Self-care of patient and caregiver DyAds in multiple chronic conditions: A LongITudinal studY (SODALITY) protocol

Aim: To describe a research protocol for a study designed to examine self-care in patient and caregiver dyads in coping with multiple chronic conditions, to evaluate the influence of dyad self-care on: (a) patient mortality, quality of life, hospital admissions, and the unplanned access of care; and (b) the positive aspects of caregiving. The specific conceptual framework that we developed for this study considers the predictors of self-care (at patient, caregiver, and dyadic levels), the process of self-care and the outcomes of self-care in patient and caregiver dyads with multiple chronic conditions. These elements in patient and caregiver dyads have not been well-studied to date. Design: This is a multicentre longitudinal study with data collection at 0, 6, and 12 months. Methods: We will use generic and specific tools to assess the predictors of self-care, the process of self-care and the outcomes of self-care in the dyads. The data will be analysed with descriptive and inferential statistics and multilevel modelling to control for the interdependent nature of dyadic data. The study was approved by an ethics committee and was funded by a grant from the Centre of Excellence for Nursing Scholarship Rome, in November 2015. Discussion: This study seeks to determine the predictors and outcomes of self-care in patient and caregiver dyads within the context of multiple chronic conditions. Impact: The results of this study will inform clinical practice and research by identifying variables that are modifiable and therefore amenable to interventions.