The readiness of family in treating post-stroke patients at home: A literature review

Abstract

The aims of this systematic review are to review studies on the patient's family readiness in caring for stroke patients at home, the instruments used to assess family readiness and the factors that influence family readiness. The method used is an electronic database that has been published through PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Wiley online library. The keywords used for article searching is based on the study question. The review of six research articles stated that family readiness in stroke patients is essential to note that the instrument most often used in family preparedness assessments is the Preparedness Caregiver Scale (PCS) instrument. Factors that influence family readiness include Pre-stroke caregiver experience, the strength of caregiver relationships with patients, family understanding and involvement in care, caregiver roles and responsibilities. Family preparedness assessment is critical to note especially for health workers, and the selection of the right instruments will significantly affect the caregiver's family readiness in treating stroke patients at home.