Event Type
Presentation
Start Date
12-7-2025 8:00 AM
End Date
12-7-2025 12:00 PM
Description
Purpose
Occupational therapy plays a vital role in equipping caregivers with the knowledge and skills needed to support individuals recovering from a cerebrovascular accident. Caregiver training provided by occupational therapy practitioners helps families manage post-stroke care and reduce the risk of secondary complications. This study explored caregivers’ perspectives on occupational therapy-led education, focusing on the type, quality, and perceived effectiveness of training before discharge.
Methods
Originally designed as a mixed-methods study, the research was modified to a qualitative design after hurricanes affected recruitment. Using a phenomenological approach, semi-structured interviews were conducted with caregivers of individuals who had a cerebrovascular accident within the past two years and received occupational therapy services before discharge. Despite Institutional Review Board modifications, only two interviews were completed, partially addressing the research objectives.
Results
Two caregivers described their experiences with occupational therapy-led education following a family member’s stroke. Themes included (1) caregiver training and preparation; (2) emotional adjustment and support; and (3) impact on daily life. Participants valued education received but noted variability in delivery, limited hands-on instruction, and inconsistent communication. Both emphasized emotional challenges and the need for ongoing, practical support.
Conclusion
This study offers preliminary insight into how occupational therapy-led education supports caregiver preparedness and post-stroke adjustment. Although limited by sample size, the findings highlight the need for more consistent, hands-on training and emotional support throughout rehabilitation. Further research with larger samples is warranted to strengthen the evidence for effective caregiver education practices.
Keywords
occupational therapy, caregiver education, stroke rehabilitation, cerebrovascular accident, caregiver burden, quality of life
Recommended Citation
Liang-Paultre, Y., Costanzo, S., Major, A., Mercado Lugo, K., & Schrader, O. (2025), Perspectives of Occupational Therapy-Led Caregiver Education on the Quality of Life of Caregivers of Stroke Survivors, Presentation, Twelfth Annual Research Colloquium, https://nsuworks.nova.edu/ot_colloquium/twelfth/events/6
Included in
Perspectives of Occupational Therapy-Led Caregiver Education on the Quality of Life of Caregivers of Stroke Survivors
Purpose
Occupational therapy plays a vital role in equipping caregivers with the knowledge and skills needed to support individuals recovering from a cerebrovascular accident. Caregiver training provided by occupational therapy practitioners helps families manage post-stroke care and reduce the risk of secondary complications. This study explored caregivers’ perspectives on occupational therapy-led education, focusing on the type, quality, and perceived effectiveness of training before discharge.
Methods
Originally designed as a mixed-methods study, the research was modified to a qualitative design after hurricanes affected recruitment. Using a phenomenological approach, semi-structured interviews were conducted with caregivers of individuals who had a cerebrovascular accident within the past two years and received occupational therapy services before discharge. Despite Institutional Review Board modifications, only two interviews were completed, partially addressing the research objectives.
Results
Two caregivers described their experiences with occupational therapy-led education following a family member’s stroke. Themes included (1) caregiver training and preparation; (2) emotional adjustment and support; and (3) impact on daily life. Participants valued education received but noted variability in delivery, limited hands-on instruction, and inconsistent communication. Both emphasized emotional challenges and the need for ongoing, practical support.
Conclusion
This study offers preliminary insight into how occupational therapy-led education supports caregiver preparedness and post-stroke adjustment. Although limited by sample size, the findings highlight the need for more consistent, hands-on training and emotional support throughout rehabilitation. Further research with larger samples is warranted to strengthen the evidence for effective caregiver education practices.