BACKGROUND: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is an inflammatory and irreversible lung disease. For next of kin caregiver burden can be a consequence of the situation of being close to a person affected by a chronic disease and in need of help. When there is an imbalance between stressors and resources to cope with the situation, caregiver burden emerges. Knowledge is sparse about how the caregiver burden is experienced by the next of kin. Therefore, the aim of this study is to identify and describe the caregiver burden experienced by next of kin of persons with severe COPD.

METHOD: Qualitative interviews with 21 next of kin were conducted. Thematic analysis was used in accordance with the six steps of Braun and Clarke.

RESULTS: The next of kin experience caregiver burden as 1) changed roles in daily life 2) putting life on hold 3) to stand aside. The next of kin are in need of support to manage daily life.

CONCLUSIONS: The caregiver burden affect the next of kin physically and emotionally. To prevent advance consequences, person-centered care can be used to support the next of kin in the situation.