Abstract WP65: Evaluation Of Visitation Restrictions On Stroke Caregiver Preparedness During Inpatient Rehabilitation

Introduction: Family caregivers (CG) are an essential component of stroke care transitions. Restrictions in family visitation in inpatient rehabilitations units due to COVID-19 has limited training opportunities for CGs. In this study, visitation to the inpatient rehabilitation unit was restricted by policy to one day of CG training as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Caregivers were assessed using the 25-item self-reported Preparedness Assessment for the Transition Home (PATH) instrument. Methods: The study cohort was stratified into 2 study groups: pre- (discharge [D/C] from the IRU before 3/16/2020; n=136) and post- (D/C after 3/16/2020; n=142) visitation policy change We calculated proportions of categorical clinical and demographic variables (age, income, gender, race, marital status, CG gender, relationship) and compared them between 2 study groups using Chi-squared tests. Means (standard deviations) for the overall PATH score and for each PATH domain were calculated and compared between study groups using independent samples t-tests. Results and Conclusions: No statistically significant differences in characteristics between groups were found, nor in the overall PATH score. However, the difference between the pre- and post- policy change groups in the domain of prognosis and insight was significant (P=0.04). The items in this domain are listed below. Providers must find innovative ways to communicate information about recovery, the impact of stroke, required preparations, and care needs during times of restricted visitation to improve caregiver preparedness during inpatient rehabilitation.