Abstract TP383: Creating Educational Modules for Family Caregivers to Reduce Potentially Preventable Hospitalizations in Stroke Survivors

Abstract

Background and Issues: Preventable hospitalization utilization among stroke survivors is common. Although about 1/3 of potentially preventable hospitalizations are attributed to recurrent ischemic stroke, other comorbidities that lead to hospitalization are prevalent and need to be monitored. Timely and appropriate care for community-dwelling stroke survivors is critical. Since family caregivers provide the majority of care in the home, support and education of caregivers is essential to monitoring comorbid conditions. Purpose: This project’s aim was to develop brief educational modules on common comorbid conditions (e.g. chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, congestive heart failure, gastroenteritis); have family caregivers and nurse practitioners (NPs) review the content for validity; and then construct 8-10 minute voice-over PowerPoint presentations for each module. Methods: Based on evidence from randomized controlled trials, these modules were developed to provide caregivers with needed information to competently care for stroke survivors. Each module was concisely written at an 8th grade reading level and consists of: 1) a short introduction to the topic and key points; 2) what caregivers can do to alleviate the condition, should watch for, and should report to healthcare providers; 3) linked websites for more information and references; and 4) a four-question assessment about what they learned. Results: Once developed, these modules were evaluated by family caregiver (n=10) and NP (n=5) reviewers. The caregivers thought that the modules were appropriate in length to facilitate easy reading and understanding. The NPs noted that some content needed to be added, such as additional websites and drug information, but overall believed the modules contained supportive resources for caregivers. To provide an alternate learning modality, audio-presentations that highlight pertinent information for each module were then constructed. Conclusions: Registered nurses are well-suited to assess, teach, and support family caregivers. These modules are appropriate for inclusion in web-based or in-person education/support for these caregivers.