Using the Preparedness Assessment for the Transition Home After Stroke Instrument to Identify Stroke Caregiver Concerns Predischarge: Uncertainty, Anticipation, and Cues to Action

PURPOSE: The aim of the study was to better understand caregivers' concerns about long-term implications of stroke and the caregiving role after completing the Preparedness Assessment for the Transition Home After Stroke (PATH-s). DESIGN/METHODS: In this qualitative study, cognitive interviews were conducted with 20 stroke caregivers who completed the PATH-s tool as part of an instrument validation study. Data were analyzed for salient themes related to their perceptions about stroke and the caregiving role. FINDINGS: Interviews yielded robust narrative data describing how the PATH-s items aided caregivers in recognizing potential issues and concerns about stroke and the caregiving role. Caregivers experienced uncertainty about the long-term stroke prognosis, which provoked anticipation and cues to action to begin addressing their concerns. CONCLUSIONS/CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Completing the PATH-s helped caregivers identify concerns regarding the long-term implications of stroke and their caregiving role. It may serve as an important assessment tool to assist rehabilitation nurses to better understand and address caregiver needs predischarge.