The impact of a web-based caregiver intervention on the reasons stroke survivors use health care services during the first year post treatment.

Purpose: A Web-based education/support intervention for caregivers of stroke survivors was developed. A prospective, descriptive design was used to identify caregivers' reported reasons for stroke survivors' health care service use (i.e., health care provider and emergency department visits, hospital readmissions) during the first year after initial treatment.

Method: Caregivers were recruited in the Midwest and randomized into an experimental (Web users, n=36) or control (non-Web users, n=37) group. Telephone interviews were conducted with the caregivers every 2 weeks. Reported reasons were organized by group and time period in which the service occurred (i.e., Months 1-6 or 7-12; 1-year totals). Content analysis and descriptive statistics were used to analyze these data.

Results: Two themes emerged: wellness- and problem-oriented reasons for health care service use. Web users reported a large percentage of visits for rehabilitations reasons, which may have subsequently contributed to the musculoskeletal issues of this group. Laboratory work and testing was considered by both groups as a primary reason for provider visits. Non-Web users reported that medication adjustment was a common reason for provider visits. They also had more emergency department visits and hospital admissions for cardiology or pulmonology reasons.

Conclusion: This study informs professionals about the care and needs of stroke survivors and provides direction for education and supportive interactions with caregivers and survivors.