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ABSTRACT
Aims: To learn how occupational therapists (OTs), physical therapists (PTs), and speech language pathologists (SLPs) in the United States perceive their ability to address the needs of caregivers of stroke survivors and the factors that impact the provision of effective training. Methods: A quantitative exploratory survey method was used. Surveys were mailed to therapists (1,000 per discipline) with 594 returned (OT = 216; PT = 219; SLP = 160). Descriptive data were analyzed for areas related to training that should be targeted for innovative programming. Results: Findings revealed that a variety of methods and structure were used to provide training in traditional role-related areas. Factors, which emerged that impacted caregiver training, were related to perceived caregiver attributes, coordination across the healthcare continuum, topics covered during training, and follow-up training postdischarge. Conclusions: Therapists must coordinate efforts to address needs of caregivers and advocate for the creation of best practices in caregiver training programs that address Affordable Care Act provisions and enable caregivers and stroke survivors to live well with a better quality of life.