Improving Outcomes of Hospitalized Elders and Caregivers

Summary

In this study, an intervention is tested that is designed to improve the outcomes of hospitalized elders and family caregivers.

Study design:

* randomized, controlled study
* participants: 280 family caregivers aged 21 or above
* length of follow-up: 2 weeks and 2 months after hospitalization

Study hypothesis: In this randomized clinical trial, the following hypotheses will be tested:

1. Hospitalized elders whose family CGs receive the CARE program versus those who receive a comparison program will have better outcomes during and after hospitalization as measured by: (1) fewer incidents of dysfunctional syndrome; (2) shorter hospital stays; (3) lower readmission rates; (4) less depressive symptoms; (5) higher cognitive level; (6) less functional decline perceived by family CG; and (7) a closer relationship with their family CGs.
2. Family CGs of hospitalized elders who receive the CARE program will report: (1) More positive beliefs about their loved one's responses to hospitalization and their role in the hospital setting; (2) more positive emotional outcomes (less worry, anxiety, and depressive symptoms) during and after hospitalization; (3) More participation in their loved one's care during hospitalization; and (4) More positive role outcomes (more role reward, less role strain, more prepared for their loved one's care, and a closer relationship with their elderly relatives, both during and after hospitalization).
3. The proposed model to explain the effects of the CARE program on the process and outcomes of family CG coping and elderly patient outcomes will be supported for CGs and elderly patients.

Conditions

• Acute Illness

Interventions

BEHAVIORAL

Care Project for Hospitalized Elders & Family Caregivers

Phase 1 in-hospital contact: Family caregivers complete baseline data, listen to a tape about helping the elderly relative cope with hospitalization, and work on a mutual agreement/identification of goals for participation in family member's hospital care (i.e., selection of two complications to focus on based on patient's illness condition) Phase 2 pre-hospital discharge: Family caregivers listen to a second tape about coping with the hospital experience, participating in their family member's in-hospital care, and preparing for hospital discharge/transition to home

BEHAVIORAL

Comparison Group

Phase 1 in-hospital contact: Family caregivers complete baseline data and listen to an informational tape about hospital policies. Phase 2 pre-hospital discharge: Family caregivers listen to a second informational tape about the hospital and medical center.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• National Institute of Nursing Research (NINR)

  collaborator NIH

• University of Rochester

  lead OTHER

Principal Investigators

• Hong Li, Ph.D., RN · University of Rochester School of Nursing

• Bethel A Powers, RN, PhD · University of Rochester School of Nursing

Study Design

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Masking

NONE

Model

PARALLEL

Eligibility

Min Age

21 Years

Sex

ALL

Healthy Volunteers

Yes

Timeline & Regulatory

Start

2003-04-30

Primary Completion

2006-04-30

Completion

2009-03-31

Countries

• United States

Study Locations