Caregiver Preparedness Research Articles

Health-related quality of life predictors for patients with stroke: A prospective longitudinal study of matched pairs of patients with stroke and family caregivers.

Patients with stroke require long-term rehabilitation for functional recovery and daily activities. The health-related quality of life (HRQOL) of patients with stroke may deteriorate because of family caregivers' nonpreparedness and increased role burden. To investigate how caregivers' preparedness and sense of competence predict the HRQOL of patients with stroke. A prospective longitudinal study. The study population comprised patients with stroke who were hospitalized for rehabilitation and their family caregivers. A total of 158 patient-family caregiver dyads were recruited from June to September 2021. Data were collected at the initiation of rehabilitation therapy and upon discharge. Information about the characteristics of the family caregivers and patients with stroke and about the former's preparedness and sense of competence were collected at baseline. Furthermore, the HRQOL of patients with stroke was measured at baseline and upon discharge to evaluate the change. This study of matched pairs of patients and family caregivers demonstrated that the latter's caregiving preparedness and sense of competence predicted positive changes in patients' HRQOL. Family caregivers who were satisfied with their care recipients (patients) and had better recognition of the consequences of care involvement better predicted changes in patients' HRQOL. The findings of this study indicate the importance of family caregivers' caregiving preparedness and sense of competence in predicting changes in patients' HRQOL. Clinically, the findings of this study highlight the importance of assessing and supporting family caregivers in developing a strong caregiving preparedness and sense of competence and in understanding the implications of their role as caregivers as it may help improve patients' HRQOL. The integration of interventions that enhance caregiver satisfaction and awareness into clinical practice may result in a more comprehensive and effective patient care. WHAT IS ALREADY KNOWN ABOUT THIS TOPIC?: Previous studies have demonstrated that the health-related quality of life (HRQOL) of patients with stroke is influenced by sociodemographic factors, such as sex, age, marital status, pain, cognitive ability and activities of daily living. A substantial association was observed between caregivers' preparedness and the HRQOL of patients with stroke. However, few studies have examined the association between caregivers' sense of competence and the HRQOL of patients with stroke. The present study indicated that clinical nursing activity must include assessment and intervention of family caregivers to improve the HRQOL of patients with stroke. The family caregivers of patients with stroke hospitalized in the post-stroke period may experience a sense of sacrifice and limitation in their personal lives. Clinical nursing practice should assess family caregivers' caregiving preparedness and sense of competence to improve the HRQOL of patients with stroke. This study adhered to the relevant EQUATOR guidelines and named the reporting method.

Readiness for hospital discharge perceived by caregivers of patients with traumatic brain injury: A cross-sectional study.

There is a growing emphasis on evaluating discharge readiness, particularly for those involved in the care of patients in transition. Caregivers supporting individuals with traumatic brain injury are a specific focus due to the potential impact of adequate discharge preparation on patient recovery and post-discharge outcomes. This research aimed to evaluate the preparedness of caregivers for the discharge of patients with moderate or severe traumatic brain injury from the hospital. This cross-sectional study was carried out in a tertiary hospital in Indonesia from January to April 2023 using the Indonesian adaptation of the Preparedness for Caregiving Scale. The study comprised seventy-four caregivers of individuals with traumatic brain injury, chosen through a purposive sampling approach based on pre-established inclusion and exclusion criteria. Data collection involved a questionnaire covering caregiver information (gender, age, education level, income, and psychological status) and discharge readiness. Descriptive statistics and correlation analyses, employing Pearson and chi-square, were conducted. Most caregivers were female (83.8%), spouses of patients (50%), and had a moderate education level (52.7%). The average age of caregivers was 43.7 ± 8.7 years, with an average duration of patient care of 4.22 ± 1.2 days and a monthly income of 220 US dollars. The mean score for readiness for hospital discharge was low (10.08 ± 1.91), indicating that caregivers were not adequately prepared for discharge. Age and education were significant factors (p <0.05) related to hospital discharge readiness. This study emphasizes the importance of assessing caregiver readiness for the discharge of patients with traumatic brain injury from the hospital. Findings indicate a concerning trend of inadequate preparedness among caregivers, with factors such as age and education level significantly influencing readiness. The predominance of female caregivers, often spouses of patients, indicates the need for tailored support strategies. Prioritizing caregiver preparation and support, especially by nurses, is crucial for optimizing patient recovery and post-discharge outcomes.

Communicating visit information to family caregivers: How does method matter? A national survey.

The clinic visit is a critical point of contact for family caregivers. However, only 37% of family caregivers are able to accompany patients to visits. When they cannot attend, caregivers receive visit information to assist with their caregiving. However, little is known about how method of receiving information from clinic visits is associated with important caregiver outcomes. This study sought to determine whether mode of receiving clinic visit information (speaking with the patient, attending the visit, or using an after-visit summary [AVS]) was associated with changes in caregiver burden, caregiver preparedness, and the positive aspects of caregiving. Cross-sectional web-based survey of a national sample of adult family caregivers. Multiple linear regression models determined associations between communication modes and caregivers' burden, preparedness, and positive aspects of caregiving, adjusting for sociodemographic covariates. Respondents (N = 340) were mostly male (58%), White (59%), ranged from 18 to 85 years old, and supported patients with conditions including diabetes, dementia, and cancer. Speaking with patients was associated with increases in positive aspects of caregiving (95% CI = 2.01, 5.42) and an AVS was associated with increases in positive aspects of caregiving (95% CI = 0.4, 3.56) and preparedness for caregiving (95% CI = 0.61, 3.15). Using any method of receiving information from visits was associated with the greatest increase in preparedness, compared to not receiving visit information. We did not observe an association between method of communication and caregiver burden. Method of communicating visit information is associated with improvements in caregiver preparedness and the positive aspects of caregiving, though caregiver burden may be unaffected by information exchange. Given the limitations of current communication methods, future work should explore directionality of the associations we found and identify visit communication strategies with caregivers that optimize caregiver and patient outcomes.

The effect of internet-administered support (carer eSupport) on preparedness for caregiving in informal caregivers of patients with head and neck cancer compared with support as usual: a study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

BackgroundInformal caregivers (ICs) of patients with cancer provide essential and mainly uncompensated care. A self-perceived preparedness to care for the patient is associated with a lower caregiver burden, described as the extent to which caregiving is perceived as having adverse effects on IC functioning and well-being. ICs’ well-being is associated with patient-perceived quality of care, suggesting that interventions to optimize ICs’ health are essential in order to improve patient care. Head and neck cancer (HNC) is the seventh most common malignant disease in the world. The disease and its treatment have a significant negative impact on the patient’s health and quality of life. Symptoms usually interfere with swallowing, food and fluid intake, breathing, speaking, and communication. ICs frequently manage patients’ symptoms and side effects, especially problems related to nutrition and oral pain, without being properly prepared. Carer eSupport is an Internet-administered intervention, based on focus group discussions with ICs, developed in collaboration with ICs and healthcare professionals, tested for feasibility, and deemed feasible. This study protocol outlines the methods of investigating the effects of Carer eSupport plus support as usual (SAU) on self-reported preparedness for caregiving, caregiver burden, and well-being in the ICs of patients with HNC, compared with ICs receiving SAU only.Methods and analysisIn this randomized controlled trial, 110 ICs of patients with HNC, undergoing radiotherapy combined with surgery and/or medical oncological treatment, will be randomized (1:1) to Carer eSupport plus SAU or SAU only. Data will be collected at baseline (before randomization), post-intervention (after 18 weeks), and 3 months after post-intervention. The primary outcome is self-reported preparedness for caregiving. Secondary outcomes are self-reported caregiver burden, anxiety, depression, and health-related quality of life. The effect of Carer eSupport plus SAU on preparedness for caregiving and secondary outcomes, compared with SAU only, will be evaluated by intention to treat analyses using linear regression models, mixed-model regression, or analysis of covariance.DiscussionIf proven effective, Carer eSupport has the potential to significantly improve ICs’ preparedness for caregiving and their wellbeing, thereby improving patient-perceived quality of care and patient wellbeing.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov; NCT06307418, registered 12.03.2024 (https://clinicaltrials.gov/search? term=NCT06307418).

The Relationship Between Preparedness for Caregiving and Spiritual Well-Being in the Carers of Stroke Patients: A Case Study in Türkiye

This study was conducted to determine the relationship between preparedness for caregiving and spiritual well-being in the carers of stroke patients. This descriptive and cross-sectional study was conducted with 130 primary carers of patients hospitalized with the diagnosis of stroke at the neurology clinic of a hospital. It was determined that the participants had moderate levels of preparedness for caregiving, they had high levels of spiritual well-being, and there was a positive significant relationship between these two variables. According to the regression analysis results, the spiritual well-being level of the participants was a predictor of their preparedness for caregiving (B: 0.144, p < 0.001). The results of this study demonstrated that the spiritual well-being of the carers of stroke patients is important in increasing preparedness for caregiving. In this context, to ensure that the carers of all stroke patients feel prepared for the caregiving process, it is recommended to evaluate their preparedness levels, support them in their preparation for their caregiving roles, and identify their spiritual needs.

Effectiveness of a health education program for people with dementia and their family caregivers: An intervention by nurse practitioners

PurposeThis study assesses the effectiveness of a health education program on caregiving outcomes for people with dementia and their families. MethodsThis quasi-experimental study involved 250 people with dementia and their family caregivers. Behavioral problems in people with dementia were assessed using the Chinese version of the Cohen-Mansfield Agitation Inventory-community form. Family caregiver outcomes were measured using the Agitation Management Self-Efficacy Scale, Caregiver Preparedness Scale, Competence Scale, and Community Resource Awareness and Utilization Assessment. ResultsFollowing the intervention, the experimental group demonstrated significant improvements in terms of self-efficacy, preparedness, competence, and awareness and utilization of community resources among family caregivers. Additionally, the experimental group exhibited lower levels of behavioral problems among people with dementia. ConclusionsThis study helped improve caregiving outcomes for people with dementia and their family caregivers. Therefore, outpatient healthcare providers can utilize these findings to enhance care for this population.

Associations between preparedness, perceived stress, depression, and quality of life in family caregivers of patients with a temporary enterostomy

PurposeTo investigate the preparedness, perceived stress, risk of depression, and quality of life of family caregivers of patients receiving a temporary enterostomy, to provide a reference for improving the long-term care and quality of life of patients receiving a temporary enterostomy. MethodsWe enrolled 181 family caregivers of patients in a hospital in China from 2021 to 2023. Responses to the General Information Questionnaire, the Chinese Caregiver Preparedness Scale, the Chinese Perceived Stress Scale, the Chinese bilingual version of the Patient Health Questionnaire-2, and the 12-item Short Form Survey were collected online. ResultsPearson’s correlation analysis revealed that family caregivers' risk of depression was negatively correlated with their preparedness, the physical component summary score, and the mental component summary score but was positively correlated with perceived stress. Multiple linear regression analysis identified factors influencing caregiver preparedness. ConclusionsThese findings help healthcare personnel to identify high-risk individuals among family caregivers of patients receiving a temporary enterostomy. This provides a basis for formulating well-planned, dynamic health education programs that meet patients' needs for disease-related knowledge and care.

In-hospital psychoeducation for family caregivers of Nigerian children with cancer (The RESCUE Study).

High levels of caregiver burden (CB) are experienced by informal caregivers of pediatric patients with cancer. There is increasing evidence highlighting the extent of CB across sub-Saharan African countries, although there remains lack of interventions that target improvements in their experience. This study aimed to determine the impact of a structured psychoeducation program on caregivers' outcomes relating to preparedness to provide care, burden of caregiving, and quality of life (QoL). This quasi-experimental (pre-and-posttest) design, involved family caregivers of children on admission for cancer treatment in 4 Nigerian tertiary hospitals. Eligible participants received 2 structured, psychoeducational training sessions delivered by a multidisciplinary oncology team, focusing on the management of patients' condition, spiritual care, self-care, and support. Subjects were mainly female (79.5%) and mostly mothers to children undergoing cancer treatment (74.7%). Commonest cancer type was acute lymphoblastic leukemia (23.9%) with evidence of metastatic disease found in 9.6% of children. Significant improvements were observed between pre- and posttest for unmet needs (z = -9.3; p < 0.001), preparedness for caregiving in palliative care (PCPC) (z = -7.0; p < 0.001), and overall QoL (z = -7.3; p < 0.001). A significant reduction in CB was also reported (z = -8.7; p < 0.001). This psychoeducational intervention (PEI) resulted in significant improvements in unmet needs, CB and significant improvements in PCPC. However, a reduction in QoL of the family caregivers was also observed. Findings from this study should encourage the use of well-crafted PEIs, delivered within hospital settings to promote improvements in outcomes for informal caregivers of hospitalized children suffering from cancer, in an African context. Further intervention development is required to better understand intervention components influencing changes in outcomes, while exploring feasibility testing and adaptation to similar settings in Nigeria and within Africa.

Abstract B040: Former caregivers of patients with glioblastoma multiforme report the Preparedness Assessment for the Transition Home (PATH©) instrument is helpful throughout the disease trajectory

Abstract Purpose: The purpose of the study was to determine if the Preparedness Assessment for the Transition Home (PATH©), a validated caregiver assessment instrument, would be helpful in identifying gaps in preparation of primary caregivers of patients with glioblastoma multiforme (GBM). The PATH© was designed to assess caregiver readiness to assist the healthcare team in developing tailored solutions to meet the needs of caregiver/patient dyads. Methods: Former primary caregivers (spouses or life-partners) of now deceased patients with GBM who were members of the private Facebook (FB) group “Widows and Widowers of GBM” reviewed the instrument and completed a web-based survey via Qualtrics. Following IRB approval (#H22-0103) and approval from the FB group administrator, a survey link was posted on the FB group page and left open for 3 weeks in Spring 2023. Participants were asked to review the 25 PATH© items and respond to 4 yes/no or Likert scale questions about whether the instrument would have helped to better prepare them for the caregiving role across the phases of GBM disease trajectory (acute, living with disease progression, end-of-life). A free text option was included so caregivers could provide suggestions for tool revision to better address the needs of caregivers of patients with GBM. Summary statistics were calculated for interval and ratio variables. ANOVA and t-test were conducted to determine whether there were differences across stages among the variables (stage of disease trajectory and helpfulness score). Chi-square and Fisher’s exact test were conducted to examine whether helpfulness and overall helpfulness were independent. A linear regression was conducted to assess whether the different phases of the disease trajectory predicted tool helpfulness. The GBM Caregiver Study team met to review, analyze, code free text feedback, and identify and define code themes. Results: Demographics were completed by 191 study participants; 124 reviewed the PATH© instrument and completed the survey. Ninety-two percent of participants reported that the PATH© instrument would be helpful across all stages of the disease trajectory, with the majority selecting “Very” or “Somewhat” helpful. Only 8% of participants did not think the instrument would be helpful at end-of-life, and 6% of participants did not think the instrument would be helpful at other stages of the disease trajectory. Fifty-four participants suggested changes to the existing instrument for GBM caregivers. From these open-ended responses, four themes were identified: education, access to care team and resources, care at the end-of-life/after death, and self-care. Conclusion: Study results indicated using the PATH© instrument in the GBM population would be helpful to assess caregiver preparation. Study collaborators are actively planning future research, building on the findings of this study, to explore the impact of how implementing a systematic caregiver assessment and tailored care plans and/or interventions can improve caregiver readiness and reduce caregiver burden. Citation Format: Elizabeth James, Marlee Wallace, Megan Chard, Barbara Lutz, Laurie Minns. Former caregivers of patients with glioblastoma multiforme report the Preparedness Assessment for the Transition Home (PATH©) instrument is helpful throughout the disease trajectory [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference on Brain Cancer; 2023 Oct 19-22; Minneapolis, Minnesota. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(5 Suppl_1):Abstract nr B040.

Supportive care needs and associated factors among caregivers of patients with colorectal cancer: a cross-sectional study

To assess the level of supportive care needs of caregivers of colorectal cancer patients and explore the related key influencing factors. Totaling 283 caregivers of patients with colorectal cancer were investigated in this study. Firstly, caregivers were invited to complete a set of questionnaires, including the general information questionnaire, the Supportive Care Needs Survey-Partners and the Caregivers of cancer patients, the Caregiver Preparedness Scale, the Benefit Finding Scale, and the Comprehensive Score for Financial Toxicity. Univariate and multivariate linear regression were performed to investigate the associated factors of supportive care needs. The caregivers of patients with colorectal cancer have a moderate level of needs, scored at 2.71 ± 0.42. Caregiver preparedness, benefit finding, and financial toxicity were significantly negatively associated with the supportive care needs of caregivers (r = − 0.555, P < 0.001; r = − 0.534, P < 0.001; and r = − 0.615, P < 0.001, respectively). Our multivariate regression analysis identified some factors that directly affected the supportive care needs of caregivers, including the duration of illness, tumor stage, the age and educational level of caregivers, caregiver preparedness, benefit finding, and financial toxicity (R2 = 0.574, F = 23.337, P < 0.001). Supportive care needs are common among caregivers of colorectal cancer patients. Higher caregiver preparedness, benefit finding, and financial toxicity tend to ease these needs. Healthcare workers should have an in-depth understanding of the needs of caregivers of colorectal cancer patients and actively provide targeted financial/informational/technical/emotional support to promote nursing skills and reduce caregivers’ burdens.

National training and development curriculum training program impact on placement, permanency, and stability

BackgroundResource parent trainings are an important factor in caregiver readiness and retention, which can improve placement stability and permanency achievement for children and youth, especially those who are marginalized. ObjectiveResource parents need access to evidence-based training programs attentive to caring for children and youth from a variety of diverse backgrounds. This study evaluates placement, permanency, and stability outcomes of children whose resource parents were trained in one such program: the National Training and Development Curriculum (NTDC). Participants and settingParticipants include adults who completed a resource parent training program (N = 3822) and children in their care (N = 2565) in the U.S. states of Florida, Georgia, Illinois, and Missouri. MethodsThis quasi-experimental study involved statistical testing of caregivers and children using AFCARS data. Propensity-score matching was used to control for differences in the child permanency analysis. ResultsWith a better understanding of the realities of fostering, NTDC participants were slightly less likely to foster after training (OR = 0.6; p < .001), self-selecting out before taking a child into the home. Those who did foster were more likely to foster a child who is a teen (OR = 1.4; p = .004), Asian/Asian American (OR = 3.8; p = .02), Black/African American (OR = 1.6; p < .001), or Hispanic/Latinx (OR = 1.7; p = .002). Children of NTDC caregivers entered legal adoptions (OR = 2.0; p = .003) and guardianships (OR = 2.9; p = .03) at higher rates than children of comparison caregivers, while rates of reunification (OR = 1.3; p = .11) were not statistically different. ConclusionsEvidence points to the effectiveness of NTDC in preparing resource parents to provide care for a diverse range of children by age, race, and ethnicity, and for those children to achieve permanency.

Caregiver Burden and Readiness in Patients with Moderate and Severe Traumatic Brain Injury: The Chain Mediation Effect of Disease Uncertainty and Mental Resilience

ObjectiveTo analyze the mediating effects of caregiver illness uncertainty and psychological resilience inn caregiver burden and readiness in patients with moderate-to-severe traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). This can help improve caregiver readiness in patients with moderate-to-severe TBIs. MethodsA purposive sampling method was used to recruit patients with moderate-to-severe TBIs, and their caregivers, who were hospitalized in the Department of Neurosurgery of the Affiliated Hospital of Yangzhou University between October 2022 and August 2023. The Zarit Caregiver Burden Interview, Mishel Uncertainty In Scale for Family Member, Connor-Daviddsonresili-encescale, and Caregivers Preparedness Scale, as well as general information questionnaire, were used to conduct the survey. ResultsCaregiver readiness correlated with caregiver burden, illness uncertainty, and psychological resilience in patients with moderate-to-severe TBI (P < 0.01). Caregiver readiness was not only directly affected by caregiver burden (95%CI: -0.510, -0.196) but was also affected through the chain mediation of illness uncertainty and psychological resilience (95%CI: -0.146, -0.011). ConclusionCaregiver burden in patients with moderate-to-severe TBI influences caregiver readiness levels and is mediated by illness uncertainty and psychological resilience. By improving caregivers' illness uncertainty and increasing their psychological resilience, the impact of low caregiver readiness caused by high caregiver burden could be reduced.

Family resilience, patient-reported symptoms in young stroke dyads: The effect of caregiver readiness and social support.

To investigate empirically the direct effect and potential mechanism of family resilience on patient-reported outcomes among young stroke dyads in China. Young patients with stroke have been becoming an important public health issue. According to relevant theories and previous studies, we found that family resilience might play an important role in patient's symptoms. However, it is less clear about the specific relationship and potential mechanisms of these two variables. We used a prospective cross-sectional design. A multi-item questionnaire was used to assess the constructs of interest. Researchers progressively constructed and validated conditional process models. The PROCESS macro was used to verify the research hypotheses. A total of 560 questionnaires were collected in this study. We found that family resilience of stroke patients and their spouses had a direct effect on the physical, psychological and social aspects of patient-reported symptoms. We further revealed that caregiver preparedness partially mediated the relationship between family resilience and patient's symptoms in stroke patient-spouse dyads, while perceived social support moderated the relationship between caregiver preparedness and patient's symptoms. Finally, we observed that the impact of caregiver readiness and social support on patients' symptoms predominantly manifested in physical and physiological outcomes. Our research provides evidence about the positive impact of family resilience on patient-reported symptoms in young stroke dyads. Meanwhile, it further revealed how caregiver preparedness and perceived social support may play out in the relationship. Our research introduces a novel perspective and pathway to enhance short-term recovery outcomes for patients. It also furnishes clinicians and nurses with evidence to guide the implementation of interventions aimed at improving patient health outcomes and facilitating smoother transitions from the hospital to home. What problem did the study address? Families play a crucial role in a patient's recovery process from illness, with family resilience serving as an important force for families to overcome adversity. However, the impact on patient symptoms and the underlying mechanisms of this relationship are uncertain. Empirical research is required to validate these aspects. What were the main findings? Family resilience has a positive impact on the physical, psychological and social aspects of patient-reported symptoms in young stroke dyads. Both the actor effect and partner effect are supported. The impact of caregiver readiness and social support on patient-reported symptoms is primarily observed in physical and physiological outcomes. Where and on whom will the research have an impact? This study offers a novel approach to enhance the short-term recovery of stroke patients. The researchers believe that the findings of this study will play an even more significant role during patients' transition from the hospital to home. This study followed the STROBE statement of cross-sectional studies. The study was conducted by patients, their spouses, healthcare professionals and the research team.

Comparing situational influences on differential healthcare utilization trajectories in patients on home palliative care: A qualitative study.

Patients with terminal cancer receiving home palliative care present differential healthcare utilization trajectories before death. It remains unclear which situational elements influence these trajectories among disparate patient groups. The aim of this study was to compare situational influences on "persistently high" and "low stable" trajectories of healthcare utilization in patients who received palliative care support at home. Bereaved family caregivers were recruited from our prior quantitative study investigating healthcare utilization trajectories in oncology patients on home-based palliative care. In-depth interviews were conducted with 30 family caregivers. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis. Analysis of data uncovered how the 2 utilization trajectories were influenced by the interplay of 1 or more of 4 situational elements. Perceived symptom control in patients, influenced by their determination to die at home, shapes the susceptibility to situational contingencies, resulting in differential utilization trajectories. Caregivers' mental readiness in dealing with unexpected circumstances has a significant impact on the overall manageability of care, ultimately affecting decisions related to healthcare utilization. The concordance between symptom needs and scope of homecare services in a given situation proves to be an important determinant. Lastly, perceived accessibility to informal support in times of need acts as a contextual reinforcement, either preventing or precipitating decisions regarding healthcare utilizations. Our findings hold important implications for the provision of homecare services, in particular, the need for comprehensive assessment of end-of-life wishes during homecare enrolment and strengthening psychological preparedness of caregivers. Expansion of home-based clinical interventions tailored to high utilizers, and funding for temporary in-home respite should be considered to optimally manage potentially preventable acute healthcare utilization.

Factors associated with family caregiver readiness to care for post-stroke patients after hospital discharge

BackgroundPost-stroke patients often need support from their family caregivers to continue their care after hospital discharge. Family caregiver readiness in caring for stroke patients is needed to improve the patient's quality of life. This study aimed to analyze factors affecting family caregivers' readiness for post-stroke patient care after hospital discharge.MethodsA cross-sectional study of family members of stroke patients admitted to the neurology inpatient unit from February to April 2023, and they were selected through purposive sampling. The general demographic questionnaire, the stroke knowledge questionnaire, and the Family Readiness for Hospital Discharge Scale (FAM-RHDS) were used to gather the data. Data analysis was performed with IBM SPSS 26 software. Data were examined through the descriptive, Pearson correlation, and multiple linear regression tests.ResultsFifty-nine respondents completed the questionnaires. Factors that were significantly related to family readiness to care for stroke patients were age (p = 0.000), gender (p = 0.000), income (p = 0.000), occupation (p = 0.000), marital status (p = 0.000), and knowledge (p = 0.000). Education level was the one that didn’t correlate with family readiness (p = 0.452). Gender is the most dominant factor affecting the readiness of family caregivers to care for stroke patients (coefficient B = 10.847).ConclusionMale family caregivers should be given special attention to improve their readiness to care for post-stroke patients. Assessment of family caregivers’ readiness for discharge should be part of discharge planning and those who are unprepared may be provided with additional interventions prior to discharge.

Distance interventions for enhancing preparedness in informal caregivers of older adults: A systematic review protocol.

Informal caregivers provide care to older adults but report lack of preparedness to enact the role. Intervention programs delivered by distance offer one alternative to support preparedness. Three review studies conducted to date have highlighted the benefits of distance interventions for enhancing preparedness among informal caregivers of older adults. However, these reviews have been limited in presenting and discussing how intervention components influenced outcomes. Additionally, they have not compared different distance delivery approaches for informal caregivers of older adults or assessed their varying impact on preparedness outcomes. These limitations make the effectiveness of diverse distance approaches unclear. To evaluate the effects of distance interventions aimed at enhancing preparedness among informal caregivers of older adults. This protocol follows the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Protocols (PRISMA-P) guidelines and is guided by the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions. It has been registered in PROSPERO (CRD42023400668). Databases used in the search will include CINAHL, Cochrane Library, EMBASE, MEDLINE, PsycINFO, Scopus, and ProQuest Theses and Dissertations Global. The search will not be restricted by publication year to include all relevant studies. Studies published in English and Portuguese will be included. Study quality will be assessed using Downs and Black's checklist. If metanalysis is possible, it will be performed using the ReviewManager (RevMan) software. The study will be the first of its type to systematically review and synthesize components and approaches of distance interventions aimed at supporting preparedness of informal caregivers of older adults.

Preparedness of caregivers giving care to stroke patients for caregiving and the stress they perceive

Preparedness of caregivers giving care to stroke patients for caregiving and the stress they perceive

Barriers to Caregiver preparedness from the perspective of family caregivers and healthcare providers of people with schizophrenia: A qualitative study

Barriers to Caregiver preparedness from the perspective of family caregivers and healthcare providers of people with schizophrenia: A qualitative study

FAMILY CAREGIVERS’ REFLECTIONS ON FAMILY SUPPORT AND PREPAREDNESS FOR END-OF-LIFE CAREGIVING

Abstract Family caregivers often report not having the knowledge or skills to provide care needed at their care receiver’s end of life (EoL), leaving them vulnerable to emotional, psychological, physical, and financial stress. These stressors may be due to increasingly complex caregiving responsibilities, difficult medical decisions, and anticipatory grief. Studies have also found a higher incidence of adverse effects among dementia caregivers. Few studies have examined how family support is associated with preparedness for EoL caregiving. Thus, the purpose of this study was to explore family caregivers’ feelings of preparedness and family-member support for EoL caregiving, comparing responses between dementia care providers with all other caregivers. A sample of family caregivers were recruited to complete an online, self-report survey. Open-ended questions were included to explore caregivers’ feelings of preparedness and family support. Of all participants, 206 family caregivers responded to the open-ended questions. Nearly 40% (n=79) of these caregivers were providing care to a family member with Alzheimer’s disease or related dementia. Qualitative methods were used to analyze data, develop a coding scheme, and identify themes. Findings suggest that most family caregivers are providing care without adequate help, support, or communication from other family members. This lack of support seems to leave dementia caregivers feeling less prepared and more frustrated than other caregivers. Our findings highlight the importance of family communication about advance care planning and caregiving responsibilities to promote family caregiver preparedness and well-being, and effective care and quality of life for an individual at the end of their life.

PATIENT AND FAMILY PARTNER OUTCOMES OF THE FAM-FFC TRIAL

Abstract The Fam-FFC trial tested the hypotheses that patients who participated in Fam-FFC would have more return to baseline function, more physical activity, and less delirium, depressive symptoms, and behavioral symptoms of distress, and that care partners would demonstrate increased preparedness for caregiving (primary outcome) and less anxiety, strain, and burden, as compared to participants in the control arm. The likelihood of returning to baseline function across time for Fam-FFC participants was twice that of the control group by the end of 6 months (OR = 2.39, p =.011). Fam-FFC was also associated with fewer behavioral symptoms of distress at six-months (changeintervention = -1.973, SE = .396, p &amp;lt; .0001, d = .467; changecontrol = -.859, SE = .389, p = .028, d = .203); moderate physical activity, depressive symptoms, and delirium severity did not differ by treatment arm. Preparedness for caregiving increased significantly more from 2 months to 6-months (changeintervention=2.4, SE=.439, d=.563; changecontrol=.893, SE=.450, d=.212, overall p = .02), and marginally increased from discharge to six months. (changeintervention= 2.783, SE= 0.44, d=.682; changecontrol=1.695, SE=0.44, d=0.415, overall p =0.08), in the intervention group, with no group differences in anxiety, strain, and burden. Fam-FFC may prevent some of the post-acute functional decline and behavioral symptoms in persons with dementia while increasing FCP preparedness. Future research should focus on sustainability of patient improvements and addressing the chronic stressors associated with the care partner role.