Training Caregivers of Stroke Victims
An Evidence-Based Practice
Description
The Training Caregivers of Stroke Victims program trains non-professional caregivers in basic nursing and facilitation of personal care techniques essential for the daily management of disabled stroke survivors. Caregivers receive 3-5 individual education sessions at the health care facility, followed by a home session to adapt skills to the home environment. Each training session includes information on stroke in combination with hands-on training tailored to each survivor's needs. The training includes lifting and handling techniques, facilitation of mobility and transfers, continence, nutrition, positioning, gait facilitation, personal activities for daily living, and communication. The hospital team also provides counseling and advice about local resources.
Goal / Mission
The goal of the training program is to provide skills essential for the daily management of stroke survivors.
Results / Accomplishments
In a randomized controlled trial the training group was compared to a conventional care group. The cost of care over one year was significantly lower for patients in the caregiver training group ($18,087 vs. $24,619, p = 0.001). After one year, trained caregivers experienced significantly less caregiver burden (p = 0.0001), anxiety (p = 0.0001), and depression (p = 0.0001) than the conventional care group. Trained caregivers also had a higher quality of life (EuroQol score 80 vs. 70, p = 0.001). Patient mortality, institutionalization, and disability were not influenced by caregiver training. However, patients reported significantly less anxiety (p < 0.0001), depression (p < 0.0001), and better quality of life (p = 0.009) in the caregiver training group.
About this Promising Practice
Organization(s)
Guy's, King's, and St. Thomas's School of Medicine
Primary Contact
Lalit Kalra
Department of Medicine
Guy's, King's, and St. Thomas's School of Medicine
London SE5 9P
lalit.kalra@kcl.ac.uk
http://www.guysandstthomas.nhs.uk/healthprof/educa...
Department of Medicine
Guy's, King's, and St. Thomas's School of Medicine
London SE5 9P
lalit.kalra@kcl.ac.uk
http://www.guysandstthomas.nhs.uk/healthprof/educa...
Topics
Health / Heart Disease & Stroke
Health / Wellness & Lifestyle
Health / Disabilities
Health / Wellness & Lifestyle
Health / Disabilities
Organization(s)
Guy's, King's, and St. Thomas's School of Medicine
Source
BMJ (British Medical Journal)
Date of publication
May 2004
Location
England
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