Effect of caregiver perception of preparedness on burden in an oncology population.

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVES To identify the level of lay caregiver burden and perception of preparedness that exists for the oncology population prior to and just after hospital discharge. DESIGN Descriptive, correlational design using repeated measures. SETTING Large, tertiary care, private medical center in the midwestern United States. SAMPLE 59 lay caregivers of patients with cancer who were discharged from inpatient hospital status. METHODS Caregivers completed Robinson's Caregiver Strain Index and Archbold's Preparedness Scale questionnaires immediately prior to discharge, 7-10 days postdischarge, and 28-30 days postdischarge. MAIN RESEARCH VARIABLES Caregivers' perception of preparedness and burden. FINDINGS Preparedness levels ranged from "somewhat" to "pretty well" prepared and were consistent over time. Burden levels were moderate and also consistent over time. Increased levels of preparedness were associated with decreased levels of burden, and that relationship was consistent over time. CONCLUSIONS Caregivers' levels of preparedness can be enhanced, although no significant differences were reported in the period from prehospital discharge to one month following discharge. Burden experiences of caregivers are real and not affected by the transition from hospital to home. Burden experiences can be influenced by perceptions of preparedness. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING Efforts to enhance the preparedness of lay caregivers can influence their burden experience.