Feasibility Study of Problem-Solving Training for Care Partners of Adults With Traumatic Brain Injury, Spinal Cord Injury, Burn Injury, or Stroke During the Inpatient Hospital Stay

Archives of Rehabilitation Research and Clinical Translation, 2019 · DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.arrct.2019.100009 · Published: January 1, 2019

Rehabilitation Social Support Brain Injury

Simple Explanation

This study explores whether a problem-solving training program can be effectively delivered to caregivers of individuals with traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injury, burn injury, or stroke while the patient is in the hospital. The training teaches caregivers a structured approach to identify and address problems they face. The study examined the feasibility of recruiting caregivers, delivering the training, and using a smartphone app to support the training. The results suggest that it is possible to provide this type of training during the inpatient stay, but there are challenges related to short hospital stays and ensuring caregivers see the benefits of the training.

Study Duration

Not specified

Participants

39 care partners of individuals with TBI, SCI, burn injury, or stroke

Evidence Level

Single group pre-post intervention pilot feasibility study

Key Findings

1
Delivering a self-management intervention to care partners during the care recipient’s acute hospital stay is feasible for a subset of potential participants.
2
Short lengths of stay, language ﬂuency, and perceiving no potential beneﬁt were noted barriers.
3
Participants were very satisﬁed with PST (CSQ meanZ3.35, SDZ0.60), reported strong working alliance (Working Alliance Inventory meanZ6.8, SDZ3.1), and demonstrated very good engagement (PRPS meanZ4.75, SDZ1.41).

Research Summary

The study assessed the feasibility of delivering problem-solving training (PST) to care partners of adults with traumatic injuries or stroke during the inpatient stay. Recruitment was challenging, with the most common reasons for refusal being not perceiving any likely benefit and a lack of interest in research. Participants who received PST reported high satisfaction and engagement, but the use of a smartphone app (CaPPS) to boost the intervention was limited.

Practical Implications

Earlier Intervention

The study introduces the possibility for earlier intervention and improving care partner outcomes across the transition of care from hospital to home.

Clinical Implementation Potential

The ability of professionals with any clinical background to be trained in PST delivery enhances the potential for clinical implementation.

Further Research Needed

Future studies should focus on identifying the best number of sessions and most appropriate timing of PST for care partners of adults with traumatic injuries or stroke.

Study Limitations

1
Small pilot feasibility study, limiting definitive conclusions.
2
Recruitment was challenging, potentially skewing results due to volunteer bias.
3
CaPPS was originally developed for adults with acquired brain injuries and their care partners, potentially limiting its applicability to individuals with SCI or burn injuries.

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