Negative and positive experiences of caregiving among family caregivers of older blunt trauma patients.

Abstract

ObjectivesFamily caregivers play a fundamental role in the care of the older blunt trauma patient. We aim to identify risk factors for negative and positive experiences of caregiving among family caregivers.DesignProspective, nationwide, multi-center cohort study.Setting and participants110 family caregivers of Singaporeans aged≥55 admitted for unintentional blunt trauma with an Injury Severity Score (ISS) or New Injury Severity Score (NISS)≥10 were assessed for caregiving-related negative (disturbed schedule and poor health, lack of family support, lack of finances) and positive (esteem) experiences using the modified-Caregiver Reaction Assessment (m-CRA) three months post-injury.MethodsThe association between caregiver and patient factors, and the four m-CRA domains were evaluated via linear regression.ResultsCaregivers of retired patients and caregivers of functionally dependent patients (post-injury Barthel score Conclusions and implicationsNegative and positive experiences of caregiving among caregivers of older blunt trauma patients are associated with pre-injury disability and certain patient and caregiver demographics. These factors should be considered when planning the post-discharge support of older blunt trauma patients.