Improving older adults stroke survivors' decision-making when selecting a discharge location: A randomized controlled...

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Rehabilitation Medicine
• Health Decision Science

Background:

• Older adult stroke survivors experience challenges in selecting post-discharge care due to disability and reduced activities of daily living.
• The choice between home care and facility care presents significant difficulties for stroke survivors and their families.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the impact of decision aids (DAs) on decision-making participation and conflict in older adult stroke survivors.
• To assess the effectiveness of DAs in aiding choices about post-discharge care locations.

Main Methods:

• A randomized controlled trial involving older adult stroke survivors in a medical rehabilitation facility.
• Participants (over 65, stroke survivors) will be randomized to receive either a decision aid or an informative brochure.
• Outcomes measured include decision-making conflict (DCS) and participation (CPS), analyzed via ANOVA and z-test.

Main Results:

• The study aims to determine if decision aids reduce decisional conflict among stroke survivors.
• It will also assess if decision aids enhance patient participation in care decisions.
• Statistical analysis will compare outcomes between the decision aid and control groups.

Conclusions:

• Randomized controlled trials are essential to verify the effectiveness and versatility of decision aids.
• Findings will enhance understanding of stroke survivors' post-discharge care preferences, informing nursing practice.