How Values Shape Collaboration Between Patients with Multiple Chronic Conditions and Spousal Caregivers

TLDR

Individuals with multiple chronic conditions collaborate daily with spousal caregivers to pursue health priorities, yet prior human‑computer interaction research has largely supported either patients or caregivers alone, not both together. The study aimed to identify how married patient–caregiver dyads’ shared values shape collaborative management of multiple chronic conditions. The authors performed a field study of 12 married patient–caregiver dyads living together to examine the influence of partners’ values on MCC management. When partners shared values, they empathized and supported each other through health challenges, but asymmetric values created tensions between autonomy and coordination, suggesting that supportive systems should help reconcile asymmetry while preserving individual autonomy.

Abstract

Individuals with multiple chronic conditions (MCC) collaborate with spousal caregivers daily to pursue what is most important to their health and well-being. Previous research in human-computer interaction has supported individuals with chronic conditions or their caregivers, but little has supported both as a unit. We conducted a field study with 12 patient-caregiver dyads, all married and living together, to identify partners' values and how they shape collaborative management of MCC. Partners' coinciding values motivated them to empathize with and support each other in the face of challenges related to health and well-being. When their values were asymmetric, they perceived tensions between individual autonomy and their ability to coordinate with their partner. Systems to support partners in this context could help them overcome asymmetric values, but should balance this with support for individual autonomy.