Determinants of Family Caregiver Readiness in Poststroke Care Transition: A Scoping Review

ABSTRACT Objective This scoping review aims to identify and synthesize the key determinants influencing family caregiver readiness during the transition of poststroke care from hospital to home. Background Stroke is a major global health challenge and the second leading cause of death worldwide. Family caregivers play a crucial role in poststroke care provision. However, their readiness for the transition from hospital to home is often suboptimal. Methods A comprehensive literature search was conducted across seven databases (PubMed, Scopus, ProQuest, ScienceDirect, EBSCO, Google Scholar, and Garuda) for studies published between 2015 and 2025. Studies involving family caregivers of stroke patients that examined caregiver readiness during care transition were included. Review articles, protocols, and nonempirical publications were excluded. Results Eleven studies were included, comprising cross‐sectional, randomized controlled trials, observational, longitudinal, and qualitative designs across Asia, Europe, and the United States. Most studies focused on hospital‐to‐home transitions and post‐discharge care. Eight key determinants of caregiver readiness were identified, including demographic characteristics, education and knowledge, psychological and emotional conditions, psychosocial support, clinical characteristics of patients and diseases, environmental accessibility, planning and engagement, and workload and resource availability. Education and knowledge emerged as the most consistently reported determinants. Conclusion Caregiver readiness is shaped by multidimensional factors, with education and knowledge as central determinants, alongside psychosocial support, caregiving burden, and patient clinical conditions such as stroke severity and dependency level. Implications Structured, evidence‐based discharge programs that integrate caregiver education, psychosocial support, and active family involvement are essential to improve readiness during care transitions.