Algorithm for transitional care for caregivers of dependent older adults: a validation study

ABSTRACT Objective: To construct and validate an algorithm for transitional care for caregivers of dependent older adults. Method: This was a methodological study developed in three phases: a literature review, designing an algorithm, and its validation by a peer panel with twenty-seven experts selected according to pre-defined inclusion criteria. Results: The algorithm predicted interventions in transitional care (hospital stay, at discharge, and 30 days at home post-discharge) aimed at the exercise of the caregiver role; needs assessment; training in care management of dependent older adults and management of self-care, and ensuring continuity of care (of older adults and caregivers). Conclusion: Agreement between expert raters and a reliability test of 0.92 indicate that the algorithm can be used by professionals to decide the transitional care interventions to be administered to the caregivers of dependent older adults. Future studies should be conducted to perform its clinical validation.