Early intervention screening for family caregivers of older relatives in primary care practices. Establishing a community health service alliance in rural america

Citation Kaye, L. W., Turner, W., Butler, S. S., Downey, R., & Cotton, A. (2003). Early intervention screening for family caregivers of older relatives in primary care practices. Establishing a community health service alliance in rural America. Family & Community Health, 26 (4), 319-328.

Design Exploratory study

Purpose The purpose of this study was to demonstrate that: rural community primary health care practices are an effective point of early intervention for caregivers and caregivers will accept/use information, support, and training when the need for such is identified/validated by physician/other health care staff. The combination of information, support, and training by MPPC caregiver specialists and field coordination efforts by a health care provider will be successful in ameliorating the multiple risks of rural caregiving. A productive community service partnership among PCPs, a health care provider, AAA, and university center on aging can be established and sustained in service to family caregivers.

Outcomes Health care professionals are capable and willing to take initiative in identifying caregiver burden. Early screening can be incorporated into the daily routine of the primary care practice team. Researchers are hopeful of replication and expansion of program.

Author Kaye, L. W., Turner, W., Butler, S. S., Downey, R., & Cotton, A.