The virtual family conference in stroke rehabilitation: Education, preparation, and transition planning

OBJECTIVE: To examine the virtual family conference as an educational, preparatory, and transition planning intervention in stroke rehabilitation. DESIGN: Observational–cross-sectional study. SETTING: Inpatient stroke rehabilitation. SUBJECTS: Eighty-seven carers, participating in 48 conferences, were evaluated. INTERVENTIONS: The virtual family conference, involving the patient, carer(s), and interdisciplinary rehabilitation team, completed prior to community transition. The conference protocol and framework, consisting of nine primary themes and additional sub-themes, are outlined. Teleconferencing was the utilized virtual modality. MAIN MEASURES: Carers were assessed via questionnaires regarding pre- and post-conference rated: (1) stroke-related knowledge, (2) satisfaction with information provision, and (3) confidence, preparedness, and stress associated with community transition; by use of the Stroke Knowledge and Community Transition Preparedness Questionnaire, Mant et al. Information Satisfaction Questionnaire, and Kingston Caregiver Stress Scale. RESULTS: Significant improvement in post-conference carer-rating was noted for knowledge, pertaining to stroke nature/impairments, stroke management/prevention, functional status, and community services. Significant gains were demonstrated in post-conference satisfaction with information provided regarding stroke and discharge planning, across all assessed topics. There was also a significant increase in carer-reported confidence and preparedness for the community transition as well as a significant reduction in self-perceived stress for elements of the caregiving role. Organization of community follow-up care was consistently enabled within the proposed framework. CONCLUSIONS: The virtual family conference intervention demonstrated efficacy in facilitating carer education and preparation, along with discharge planning prior to community transition from stroke rehabilitation. Thus, illustrating potential benefits of family conferences and feasibility of their virtual application in stroke rehabilitative care.