Document Type
Article
Language
eng
Format of Original
5 p.
Publication Date
1-2017
Publisher
Wiley
Source Publication
Journal of the American Geriatrics Society
Source ISSN
0002-8614
Abstract
Objectives
To test the feasibility of a telephone-based intervention that prepares family caregivers to recognize delirium symptoms and how to communicate their observations to healthcare providers.
Design
Mixed-method, pre–post quasi-experimental design.
Setting
A Midwest Veterans Affairs Medical Center and a nonprofit health system.
Participants
Forty-one family caregiver-older adult dyads provided consent; 34 completed the intervention.
Intervention
Four telephone-based education modules using vignettes were completed during the 3 weeks before the older adult's hospital admission for elective hip or knee replacement. Each module required 20 to 30 minutes.
Measurements
Interviews were conducted before the intervention and 2 weeks and 2 months after the older adult's hospitalization. A researcher completed the Confusion Assessment Method (CAM) and a family caregiver completed the Family Version of the Confusion Assessment Method (FAM-CAM) 2 days after surgery to assess the older adults for delirium symptoms.
Results
Family caregivers’ knowledge of delirium symptoms improved significantly from before the intervention to 2 weeks after the intervention and was maintained after the older adult's hospitalization. They also were able to recognize the presence and absence of delirium symptoms in the vignettes included in the intervention and in the older adult after surgery. In 94% of the cases, the family caregiver rating on the FAM-CAM approximately 2 days after the older adult's surgery agreed with the researcher rating on the CAM. Family caregivers expressed satisfaction with the intervention and stated that the information was helpful.
Conclusion
Delivery of a telephone-based intervention appears feasible. All family caregivers who began the program completed the four education modules. Future studies evaluating the effectiveness of the educational program should include a control group.
Recommended Citation
Bull, Margaret J.; Boaz, Lesley; Maadooliat, Mehdi; Hagle, Mary E.; Gettrust, Lynn; Greene, Maureen T.; Holmes, Sue Baird; and Saczynski, Jane S., "Preparing Family Caregivers to Recognize Delirium Symptoms in Older Adults After Elective Hip or Knee Arthroplasty" (2017). College of Nursing Faculty Research and Publications. 451.
https://epublications.marquette.edu/nursing_fac/451
Comments
Accepted version. Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, Vol. 65, No. 1 (January 2017): e13-e17. DOI. © 2017 Wiley. Used with permission.