Needs of Family Caregivers of Older Adults with Trauma Admitted to the Emergency Department: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Abstract

Background: Family caregivers (FCs) play a vital role in supporting the care of older adults with trauma admitted to the emergency departments (EDs). However, their needs are often unmet and overlooked by healthcare providers. This study aimed to assess the needs of FCs of older adults with trauma admitted to the EDs in Iran.

Materials and methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in 2024 at Shahid-Beheshti Hospital in Kashan, Iran, involving 402 FCs of older adult trauma patients. Participants were recruited through consecutive sampling. Data were collected using the Questionnaire for the Assessment of the Needs of Caregivers of Patients with Trauma in the Emergency Department (QANCPT). Descriptive statistics and regression analysis were performed using.

Results: The mean (SD) age of FCs was 44.80 (12.90) years, and 52.98% were female. Among patients, 45.02% were female, and falls were the most common cause of their injury (50.25%). The mean (SD) overall needs score was 2.47 (0.32) out of 4. In regression analysis, caregiver needs were associated with their own education level and gender, as well as patient-related factors, including age, number of children, length of ED stay, and cause and location of injury.

Conclusions: FCs of older trauma patients reported substantial unmet needs in the ED. Acknowledging and addressing these needs is essential for healthcare providers in the ED. Doing so can significantly improve both the patient care process and recovery outcomes.