Caregivers’ preparedness for managing transition to the community of persons with cognitive impairment post-stroke
Introduction: Cognitive disorders are common in individuals with stroke and may represent major issues for caregivers who daily support them during transition to community. Caregivers' preparedness for managing this transition is critical. Objectives: To explore caregivers’ perceived needs during and after transition to community of their family member with cognitive impairment; and, to compare their needs with existing evidence-based recommendations for supporting caregivers and managing transitions of care. Methodology: A descriptive qualitative study was conducted, using semi-structured interviews with 10 caregivers of persons with cognitive impairment. The interview guide was developed based on a literature review and pilot results with two caregivers. Interviews were transcribed and analyzed using the Framework Approach (Ritchie and Lewis, 2003). Caregivers’ needs were compared with recommendations for stroke services identified through a rapid document review (e.g., Canadian Stroke Best Practices Recommendations, 2015; Quebec Government, 2017). Results: Caregivers’ perceived needs are consistent with recommendations highlighting the importance of a partnership to enable informed decision-making and promote skills development. Ensuring adequate understanding of the daily repercussions of cognitive impairment and evaluating their capacity for managing this transition is necessary. Findings suggest that some of their needs are partially met, especially for individualized education during inpatient rehabilitation and for follow up by healthcare professionals after community reintegration, including access to community services. These needs seem even stronger for caregivers of persons who have complex impairments or require constant supervision. Conclusion: This study must guide some recommendations to ensure  adequate preparation and support of caregivers during transition to community of persons with cognitive impairment post-stroke.

Caregivers' preparedness for managing transition to the community of persons with cognitive impairment post-stroke