Internet-based Support for Rural Caregivers of Persons with Stroke Shows Promise

Abstract

The purpose of this pilot study was to test the feasibility of providing Internet-based education and support intervention to caregivers living in rural settings, including caregivers' satisfaction with the intervention. A secondary aim was to explore their experience of caring. Nine adult caregivers of persons with stroke were enrolled in this descriptive study from rehabilitation centers in northwestern Ohio and southeastern Michigan. They were given access to the intervention, Caring-Web, for three months. Data were collected from participants' bimonthly interviews, as well as e-mail communications. Procedures were tested and found valid, and caregivers were willing and able to use Caring-Web. Using Friedemann's framework of systemic organization, a coding system was developed for analyzing the qualitative data on the experience of caring. Five main themes emerged from these data. These findings help expand knowledge about caregivers dealing with stroke.

Reducing caregiver stress with internet-based interventions: a systematic review of open-label and randomized controlled trials

“…Several of these studies were proof-of-concept feasibility studies which measured usability, usage, and/or user satisfaction. [39][40][41][42][43] We also excluded studies which did not measure outcomes related to reducing caregiver stress or improving caregiver QOL but instead might have measured caregiver knowledge, for example. 39,[44][45][46][47][48][49][50][51][52] Some of the interventions were only informational or educational without any interactive component such as a discussion forum or a method for the caregiver to interact with providers or other caregivers.…”

A comprehensive assessment of family caregivers of stroke survivors during inpatient rehabilitation

“…[26] Without this assistance, caregivers develop their own solutions and strategies to meet the needs of the care recipient after discharge. [31, 33] Unfortunately, these strategies are often ineffective and may result in safety issues for patients (e.g., falls, skin breakdown, choking) and care-related injuries and poorer health for caregivers (e.g., back injuries, increased stress and anxiety). [31, 34]…”

Usage and Design Evaluation by Family Caregivers of a Stroke Intervention Web Site

“…Subjective data were gathered from twice- or bi-monthly questions and a final Survey, as part of a regularly scheduled telephone interview regarding the participants’ experience of caring. These questions were constructed based on previous pilot data and were independently reviewed by experts in the field for content validity (Pierce, et al, 2004). …”