Question
How does caregiver burden influence rehospitalization rates, and what role do healthcare providers play?
Answer
Caregiver burden has been identified as a significant predictor of patient rehospitalization. Research indicates that when caregivers report high levels of perceived burden at the time of a patient's hospital admission, the patient is significantly more likely to be readmitted within three months. This connection highlights the critical role caregivers play in maintaining continuity of care after discharge.
Several factors contribute to this dynamic. Overwhelmed caregivers often struggle with the logistical challenges of follow-up care, such as scheduling and attending post-hospital appointments or implementing prescribed home safety measures. Additionally, they may mismanage or discontinue medications due to confusion or a lack of education, leading to complications that necessitate a return to the hospital.
Healthcare providers can play a pivotal role in breaking this cycle. By assessing caregiver burden during hospitalization, they can identify families at risk and proactively offer support. Interventions such as caregiver education programs, community resource referrals, and follow-up visits through home health services help empower caregivers. These efforts are particularly vital in reducing rehospitalization rates and associated costs, while also improving outcomes for both patients and their caregivers.
This Ask the Expert is an edited excerpt from the course, "How to Identify and Support Overwhelmed Caregivers for Improved Patient Outcomes and Rehospitalization Rates," presented by Julie Crenshaw, PT, DPT, GCS.
