Investigating the effects of a family-centered care program on stroke patients' adherence to their therapeutic regimens.

Unlabelled: Abstract Background: Stroke survivors have residual neurological impairment, which requires long-term support and care. In this situation family involvement in care process is necessary. However, as the family caregivers of stroke survivors are not necessarily supported by the health-care professionals, and they often feel inadequately prepared to deal with the physical, cognitive and emotional needs of the stroke survivors.

Aim: The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of a family-centered care program on stroke patients' adherence to their therapeutic regimens.

Methods: This is a posttest-only randomized controlled trial study, conducted on stroke patients and their family caregivers. The control group (N = 30) received only routine hospital services and the experimental group (N = 30) received routine hospital services plus a family-centered care program consisting of four steps; need assessment, educating families based on patients' needs, follow-ups by short phone interviews, and referral service. The data were collected via a demographic data form and 'Adherence to the Therapeutic Regimens (ATR)' questionnaire between July 2011 and March 2012 and lasted 2 months for each subject. Data were assessed and analyzed with SPSS version 18.

Findings: Study findings showed that the levels of adherence to the different components of the therapeutic regimens, including rehabilitations, medications and dietary regimen are significantly higher in the experimental group compared to the control group (P < 0.001).

Conclusion: By empowering patients' families and improving their ATRs, family-centered care programs will be able to play an important role in management of physical and mental health of stroke patients.