59. The role of self-appraised problem solving abilities amongst family caregivers in stroke care (255)
May Lui, Associate Professor, The Nethersole School of Nursing, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
Co authors: Fiona Ross & Diana T F Lee
maylui@cuhk.edu.hk
Abstract:
Background
In stroke care, family caregivers often report difficulty in managing home care problem. For people with long term conditions, solving problems is therefore, a major concern to caregivers of stroke survivors. Little is known about problem solving abilities amongst family caregivers in stroke care, particularly in the early transition from hospital to discharge home.
Aim of the study
This study aimed to examine their problem solving abilities in the early transition from hospital to three months discharged home.
Method
A longitudinal correlation design was adopted to examine the perceived problem solving abilities amongst Hong Kong family caregivers and its relationships with their physical, psychosocial well-beings and characteristics of the stroke survivors.
Result
A total of 103 and 85 family caregivers of stroke patients with moderate functional disabilities participated in the study. Results suggested that confidence in problem solving; and personal control over emotion and behaviour were found predicting caregiver physical well being and their perceived difficulties towards problems encountered. Caregiver confidence in problem solving was also demonstrated predicting stroke patients’ depression level.
Conclusion
The findings contribute to existing knowledge about problem solving abilities in particularly its role in predicting the outcomes of family caregivers and that of the stroke patients at three months post discharge home, giving pointers to the development of a targeted intervention for family caregivers in nursing practice and stroke care.
Source of Funding: Non UK
The Chinese University of Hong Kong
Amount in Funding: 1,000 - 10,000
Biography:
I am a qualified registered nurse in general nursing and has worked as research nurse, nurse instructor and lecturer in Hong Kong. She teachers undergraduates and postgraduates nursing student in the Chinese University of Hong Kong and has mainly involved teaching gerontological care and stroke care. My research interest areas included stroke care, care of carers, nursing education and validation of instruments. In 2002, May was one of the key participants of an international shared-learning project to examine different model of support to family carers of patients with chronic illnesses in the United Kingdom, Sweden and Hong Kong. This project was funded by the Keith Thurley Foundation, United Kingdom. Being a member of the management committee of the Hong Kong Evidence Based Evidence Centre provided me the opportunities to be involved in conducting systemic reviews and projects promoting implementation of research evidence in Hong Kong. I am also invited by a rehabilitation hospital in Hong Kong as research advisor and as a consultant of the Rehabilitative Aid Centre which provides support to the carers and services to older people living in the local community.