P-250: Training informal caregivers to improve functionality in older stroke survivors: results of a quasi-experimental

摘要

Background: Stroke affects not only the survivors, but also their informal caregivers who have the responsibility to provide major cares, including physical and emotional support to the stroke survivors. The aim of the study is to evaluate the impact of an intervention based on training skills of informal caregivers regarding older people's functionality after having a stroke. Design: A quasi-experimental design. Methods: 174 stroke patients and their informal caregivers integrated two groups: a control group patients (n = 89) who received the usual type of care delivered in healthcare units and an experimental group (n = 85) who adopted the InCARE programme (Informal CARE-givers who care older people after a stroke) for 1 week (T0), 1 month (T1) and 3 (T2) months and received telephone support by counselling caregivers on the subsequent 3rd, 6th, 8th and 10th weeks to hospital discharge (community-dwelling in northern Portugal). Conclusions: Despite the better outcomes achieved in caregiver's skills, no significant differences in physical function 3 months after intervention was verified. Although informal caregivers enhanced their practical skills, the functionality of older people stroke survivors after InCARE implementation was not improved. Trial registration: NCT02074501.