Effect of caregiver perception of preparedness on burden in an oncology population.
OBJECTIVE
To identify the level of lay caregiver burden and perception of preparedness that exists for the oncology population prior to and just after hospital discharge.


METHODS
Descriptive, correlational design using repeated measures.


METHODS
Large, tertiary care, private medical center in the midwestern United States.


METHODS
59 lay caregivers of patients with cancer who were discharged from inpatient hospital status.


METHODS
Caregivers completed Robinson's Caregiver Strain Index and Archbold's Preparedness Scale questionnaires immediately prior to discharge, 7-10 days postdischarge, and 28-30 days postdischarge.


METHODS
Caregivers' perception of preparedness and burden.


RESULTS
Preparedness levels ranged from "somewhat" to "pretty well" prepared and were consistent over time. Burden levels were moderate and also consistent over time. Increased levels of preparedness were associated with decreased levels of burden, and that relationship was consistent over time.


CONCLUSIONS
Caregivers' levels of preparedness can be enhanced, although no significant differences were reported in the period from prehospital discharge to one month following discharge. Burden experiences of caregivers are real and not affected by the transition from hospital to home. Burden experiences can be influenced by perceptions of preparedness.


CONCLUSIONS
Efforts to enhance the preparedness of lay caregivers can influence their burden experience.
Scherbring
Mary
M
Department of Nursing, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA. scherbring.mary@mayo.edu
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D017028:Caregivers / Q000523:psychology*; D017281:Cost of Illness; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015146:Midwestern United States; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000451:nursing*; D010351:Patient Discharge; D011788:Quality of Life; D012107:Research Design; D012938:Social Perception; D018454:Spouses / Q000523:psychology; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013997:Time Factors