Challenges of research with carers in a hospital setting in Australia: trialling the Carer Readiness Tool

Abstract

A tool to help carers gauge their readiness to provide care to a patient on discharge from acute care – the Carer Readiness Tool – was implemented on two cancer/renal inpatient units. Data on carer needs and concerns obtained from the Carer Readiness Tool revealed that relatively inexperienced carers focused their concerns on practical aspects of care, such as mobility, transfers, aids and equipment, transport and parking. More experienced carers reported fewer needs but more concerns, including respite from caring, costs of caring and end-of-life care. Challenges in engaging carers in research, which impacted the formal evaluation of the Carer Readiness Tool, are discussed.