Dementia Care Partner Hospital Assessment Tool

BEHAVIORAL

Care Partner Hospital Assessment Tool

Complete the adjusted CHAT as well as demographic and caregiving questionnaires during and after loved one's hospitalization.

Change in Preparedness for Caregiving

Time frame: Baseline to 72 hours post-discharge

Using the Preparedness for Caregiving Scale, which is a self-rated assessment that consists of eight items that asks care partners how well prepared they believe they are for multiple domains of caregiving, change in preparedness will be measured. Preparedness is defined as perceived readiness for multiple domains of the caregiving role such as providing physical care, providing emotional support, setting up in-home support services, and dealing with the stress of caregiving. Responses are rated on a 5-point scale with scores ranging from 0 (not at all prepared) to 4 (very well prepared). The scale is scored by calculating the mean of all items answered with a score range of 0 to 4. The higher the score the more prepared the care partner feels for caregiving.

Care partner satisfaction of care

Time frame: 72 hours post-discharge

The Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (HCAHPS) is a 29-item survey that asks discharged patients about their recent hospital stay. The study team will modify and use three items from this survey to capture care partner satisfaction of care. These items are rated on a 4-point case from 1 (definitely no or strongly disagree) to 4 (definitely yes or strongly agree), with higher scores representing more care partner satisfaction with care.

What is a clinical trial?

A clinical trial is a research study that tests new medical treatments, drugs, devices, or procedures to determine their safety and effectiveness. Trials are carefully designed and monitored to protect participants while advancing medical knowledge.

Is it safe to participate?

Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. Trials must be reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals throughout the study. You can withdraw at any time if you choose.

Will I be compensated?

Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time, travel expenses, and inconvenience. The specific compensation varies by study and will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is typically provided at no cost to participants.

Will I receive a placebo instead of treatment?

When effective treatment exists, participants typically receive either the standard treatment plus the study intervention, or the standard treatment plus placebo. You would not be denied effective care. Placebos are primarily used when no proven treatment is available, or in addition to standard care. Your trial consent form will clearly explain what treatments you may receive.

Can I leave a trial if I change my mind?

Absolutely. Participation in clinical trials is completely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled.

How long does a clinical trial last?

Trial duration varies widely depending on the study design and purpose. Some trials last just a few weeks, while others may continue for months or years. The study coordinator will provide specific timeline information during your screening call.