Key informants' perspectives on implementing caregiver programs in an organized system of stroke care

Family caregivers provide essential support to individuals recovering after experiencing a stroke. Although clinical guidelines recommend the provision of caregiver education and support, these guidelines have not been implemented into standard clinical practice. The objective of this study was to gain insight from key informants-affiliates of a regional stroke system-to identify organization and system level barriers and facilitators associated with implementing stroke caregiver programs.

Twelve key informants were interviewed. Informants discussed their experiences with and perceptions of caregiver programs. They also identified barriers and facilitators to implementing caregiver programs. Interview data were analyzed using inductive thematic analysis.

Three themes were generated: (1) lack of consensus on the need for caregiver education and support programs as part of the health care system; (2) a collaborative process is needed to engage stakeholders and identify champions (3) stakeholders need different types of evidence in support of implementation.

This study provides initial insight into the potential barriers and facilitators needed to develop and implement stroke caregiver programs. Further exploration of these topics can inform caregiver program development and their implementation into stroke systems of care.IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATIONRehabilitation research needs to demonstrate that caregivers are a unique group in need of support from the health care system.Rehabilitation research needs to contribute to the evidence that caregiver programs can improve patient, caregiver, and health system outcomes.Researchers can enhance caregiver program implementation through collaboration between researchers, stakeholders, and system change champions starting with program development.