Helping Family Doctors Identify Vulnerable Caregivers After ED Visits
Author Information
Author(s): Maida J Sewitch, Mark J Yaffe, Jane McCusker, Antonio Ciampi
Primary Institution: McGill University
Hypothesis
The study aims to examine changes in family caregivers' quality of life following an emergency department visit by an older relative.
Conclusion
Spouses are most at risk for decline in quality of life after an elderly relative's emergency department visit.
Supporting Evidence
- Caregivers reported declines in general health and physical functioning over time.
- Spouses had poorer quality of life compared to other caregiver subgroups.
- Caregivers interviewed in the ED reported poorer outcomes than those interviewed by telephone.
Takeaway
When older people go to the emergency room, their family caregivers, especially spouses, might feel worse over time. Doctors should check in on these caregivers.
Methodology
A longitudinal study with follow-up at 1- and 4-months conducted in the EDs of 4 hospitals in Montreal, Canada, using multiple linear regression for repeated measures.
Limitations
Findings may not be generalizable to all caregivers as patients were limited to those visiting during the day shift only and deemed well enough to be discharged.
Participant Demographics
{"mean_age":60.5,"female_percentage":73.0,"relationship_to_patient":{"spouses":42.8,"adult_children":37.7,"other_relatives":19.5}}
Statistical Information
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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