A Qualitative Study on Perceptions of Changes Reported by Caregivers of Patients in Vegetative State and Minimally Conscious State: The “Time Gap Experience”

Table 1

Demographic data on caregivers and their relatives.

Demographic data	(%)
Caregivers
Age
Mean 57 (range: 32–78 years)
Under 40	1 (6,7)
Between 41 and 60	8 (53,3)
Between 61 and 80	6 (40,0)
Education levels
Primary school	3 (20)
Secondary school	3 (20)
High school	8 (53,3)
Graduate degree	1 (6,7)
Resignation from job
Yes	7 (46,7)
No	8 (53,3)
Relationship with patient
Spouse/partner	7 (46,7)
Mother	8 (53,3)
Patients
Age
Caregivers’ child: Mean 33 (range 20–47)
Caregivers’ partner: Mean 57 (range 33–68)
Diagnosis
Vegetative state	7 (46,7)
Minimally conscious state	8 (53,3)
Place where patient is hosted
At home	8 (53,3)
Postacute rehabilitation care	0
Long-term care	7 (46,7)
Duration of patient health condition
<2	5 (33,3)
2–5	5 (33,3)
5–10	4 (26,7)
>10	1 (6,7)