Development of an Instrument to Assess Stroke Caregivers’ Readiness for the Transition Home

You are getting ready to discharge a stroke survivor home after a stay in your IRF. However, you’re concerned that the family caregiver might not be prepared for the responsibility. Camicia and colleagues have developed a stroke specific instrument to determine a caregiver’s readiness to provide care. Read how the authors developed the instrument and how it might be used in your facility. Read Development of an Instrument to Assess Stroke Caregivers’ Readiness for the Transition Home.

Abstract

Purpose 

The study purpose was to develop a measure to assess stroke caregivers’ commitment and capacity to assume the caregiving role prior to discharge.

Design 

Participants were caregivers of stroke survivors in an inpatient rehabilitation facility.

Methods 

A sequential, multimethod approach, which included item generation from qualitative data, review of items by expert clinicians, cognitive interviews to determine response format (n = 22), and item clarity (n = 20), and an analysis of pilot data were utilized.

Findings 

Cognitive interviewing provided information to improve item clarity.

Conclusion 

This instrument development approach resulted in the Preparedness Assessment for the Transition Home After Stroke (PATH-s), a 26-item self-report instrument. The PATH-s represents the domains of the Model of Caregiver Readiness, upon which the instrument was developed.

Clinical Relevance 

The PATH-s, once further validated, may guide healthcare providers in the development of tailored care plans to address identified gaps and better prepare caregivers for the transition home.