Abstract 10320: Feasibility of the Telehealth Assessment and Skill-Building Kit for Stroke Family Caregivers

• Published in: Circulation (New York, N.Y.) N.Y.), 2021-11, Vol.144 (Suppl_1), p.A10320-A10320
• Main Authors: Bakas, Tamilyn, Sucharew, Heidi, Brehm, Bonnie J, Dunning, Kari, McCarthy, Michael J, Rota, Matthew, Israel, Jahmeel, Stacy, Kelly E, Kissela, Brett M, Miller, Elaine L
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• ISSN: 0009-7322; 1524-4539
• DOI: 10.1161/circ.144.suppl_1.10320

IntroductionExisting stroke family caregiver interventions are limited in the use of technology and lack focus on caregiver health. The Telehealth Assessment and Skill-Building Kit (TASK III) was optimized based on caregiver preferences for technology and goal setting to improve caregiver health. The purpose of this study was to test feasibility of the TASK III program compared with an Information, Support, and Referral group (ISR) for improving caregiver depressive symptoms, life changes, and unhealthy days. MethodsUsing randomized control trial design and an intent-to-treat analysis, 74 stroke family caregivers were randomized to TASK III (n=36) or ISR (n=38). The TASK III Resource Guide was provided by hard copy, website, eBook, and USB drive. TASK III and ISR groups received an American Stroke Association (ASA) pamphlet, access to the ASA website, and 8 weekly calls from a nurse (telephone/videoconferencing), with a booster call a month later. Data trends from baseline to 8 and 12 weeks were explored for depressive symptoms (PHQ-9), life changes (Bakas Caregiving Outcomes Scale), and unhealthy days. Minutes on calls with the nurse were controlled in analyses. ResultsAmong caregivers with mild to severe depressive symptoms at baseline (PHQ-9>5) (n=31), TASK III showed a greater reduction in depressive symptoms relative to ISR from baseline to 8 and 12 weeks (Mean group difference in change scores -3.7, p=.02 at 8 weeks; -3.7, p=.04 at 12 weeks). Using the full sample (N=74), life changes improved for TASK III relative to ISR from baseline to 8 and 12 weeks (Mean 8.1, p=.03; 14.9, p