EXPLORING INFORMAL CAREGIVER EXPERIENCE OF OLDER ADULT CARE TRANSITIONS: HEALTH SYSTEM STAFF PERSPECTIVES

摘要

With heightened interest around the study of care transitions of older adults moving from hospital to home, the informal/family caregiver can be a key player who is often neglected. This presentation will describe qualitative findings that were generated within a larger participatory action research project conducted by university researchers and administrators within a regional health system. The purpose of this study was to understand the challenges and supports experienced by informal caregivers of older adults during care transitions from the perspective of healthcare service providers. Data collection included individual interviews with seven service providers and focus group interviews with twenty-two service providers that included rehabilitation therapists, nurses, social workers, case managers, and administrators. Thematic findings include: communication breakdown, caregiver characteristics, caregiver responsibilities, the importance of caregiver presence, resources for caregivers, and caregiver burden. Results are being used to improve services offered to caregivers and patients to enhance care transitions.