Exploring the introduction of a rehabilitation 'Mid-term report card' in communication and education for families of stroke survivors

Abstract

Family involvement is important in improving outcomes for stroke survivors. Stroke rehabilitation can be an emotionally and physically draining experience. The researcher, a hospital social worker, conducted a literature review to analyse material on the purpose and benefits of family conferences for an inpatient caseload. The literature indicated that family conferences are important to the rehabilitation process, although much more can be done to ensure professionals provide the best possible care throughout the inpatient admission and on return to the community. There appears to be a need for better education and ongoing support from rehabilitation interdisciplinary teams for patients and their caregivers, and intervention should be more proactive to reduce strain. Social workers are well positioned through their skills, theoretical frameworks and approaches to determine what might be best practice for each stroke survivor and to predict practical and emotional care requirements for caregivers. This qualitative research project explored the information needs of caregivers and the trial of a new resource, a personalised ‘Mid-Term Report Card’. This report card was provided to participants half-way through the admission and contained results of assessments and therapies. Four weeks after discharge from rehabilitation each caregiver participated in a semi-structured interview focusing on the perceived benefit of provision of the report card, and the information they felt most adequately prepared them to assume their caregiving role. The study provided an opportunity to gain some preliminary insights into the caregiver experience beyond their need for information, and offers suggestions for the content of future Mid-Term Report Cards. There was clear feedback that caregivers of stroke survivors need to be supported to engage effectively with rehabilitation teams, and this study highlights the role of social work in addressing these identified areas of need.