Continuity of care interventions for people with stroke and their caregivers: a scoping review of randomized controlled trials

PURPOSE: People with stroke (PwS) and their family caregivers characterize transitions across care environments as challenging. Enhancing the family-centered nature of continuity of care interventions could improve experiences and outcomes. This scoping review aimed to synthesize the literature on continuity of care interventions for PwS and/or their caregivers. METHODS: The Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) methodology for scoping reviews was followed. Five databases were searched, and only randomized controlled trials were included. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and deductive content analysis. RESULTS: We included 65 interventions identified from 80 included studies. Most intervention studies included only PwS. Most interventions addressed the transition from acute inpatient management to home care services. On average, two of three continuity of care dimensions were addressed, and two of four family-centred care components were addressed across interventions. CONCLUSIONS: This scoping review emphasizes the need for continuity of care intervention studies to include both PwS and their caregivers. Future research should investigate interventions that promote a family-centered care approach. The review also highlights that current interventions do not address all transitions across the stroke care continuum. Finally, future interventions should explore which aspects of continuity of care may need to be prioritized at specific transition points.