Int J Nurs Knowl. 2026 May 13:20473087261443274. doi: 10.1177/20473087261443274. Online ahead of print.
ABSTRACT
ObjectiveTo analyze the effectiveness of a virtual educational intervention on care performance and knowledge of family caregivers of older adults with stroke sequels, when compared with usual guidance.MethodsA randomized pragmatic trial was carried out with 58 family caregivers of older adults with stroke sequels, randomized to the Intervention Group and Management Group. For Intervention Group a massive, open, online course was made available to equip caregivers with the necessary tools to assist older adults in activities of daily living after discharge. Moreover, telecommunication consultations were held on the seventh, thirtieth, sixtieth and eightieth days to check the course progress and possible difficulties. The course and telephone calls were made by research nurses. Caregiver assessment was carried out close to hospital discharge, before the intervention, and 90 days later, using three indicators of the outcome “Caregiver Performance: Direct Care” and six indicators of the outcome “Knowledge: Stroke Management” of the Nursing Outcomes Classification.ResultsA significant improvement was observed in intragroup assessment in Intervention Group for the indicator “Assists with care recipient’s activities of daily living needs” (p < 0.001) of the outcome “Caregiver Performance: Direct Care” and for the indicator “Causes and contributing factors” (p = 0.021) of the outcome “Knowledge: Stroke Management”. The indicator “Strategies to maintain skin integrity” of the outcome “Knowledge: Stroke Management” showed statistical significance in intergroup assessment, with better results for Control Group (p = 0.040), in addition to a significant improvement in intragroup assessment for Intervention Group (p = 0.008).ConclusionsThe intervention was effective for Intervention Group members, improving performance and knowledge about care for older adults when comparing baseline and final assessments.Implications for PracticeThe use of a massive, open, online course and telephone monitoring improves outcomes in care for older adults after discharge, which reflects the importance of nurses’ educational. Registered in Clinical Trials (NCT05553340).DescriptorsStroke; Family Caregiver; Educational Technology; Standardized Nursing Terminology; Geriatric Nursing; Transition from Hospital to Home.
PMID:42126820 | DOI:10.1177/20473087261443274
