Effect of Community-Based Rehabilitation on Caregivers of Palliative Stroke and Geriatric Patients: Pilot Study

Abstract

Introduction : Community-based rehabilitation (CBR) effectively supports palliative care patients, including those with cerebrovascular disease (CVD/stroke), though impacts vary by local resources. Caregiver burden is common among families of palliative patients with cardiovascular and geriatric conditions. This study evaluated a primary health center–based CBR programme’s effects on both caregiver & patient.

Objective : To describe and assess the clinical and statistical significance of CBR in reducing caregiver burden, improving quality of life (QoL), knowledge, and patient functional outcomes in palliative care.

Material and methods : This retrospective study analyzed CBR data from Universitas Indonesia. Four validated tools were used: Zarit Burden Interview (ZBI), EQ-5D-5L/EQ-VAS (caregiver and patient QoL), caregiver knowledge questionnaire, Barthel Index (BI). Paired pre-post analyses were performed.

Result : Most caregivers cared for post stroke patients. Caregiver EQ-VAS improved significantly (+30.56±39.25; p=0.048). Non-significant but clinically meaningful trends were observed in ZBI reduction (−4.33±8.38; p=0.159) and caregiver knowledge gain (median +7; p=0.050). Patient BI improvement (+1.78±1.30; p=0.073) and patient EQ-VAS increase (median +10; p=0.089).

Discussion : CBR training enhanced caregiver QoL and produced consistent positive trends across functional and psychosocial measures for palliative patients in resource-limited community settings, suggesting  clinical benefit and feasibility for primary care implementation despite limited statistical significance.

Conclusion : CBR showed potential benefit in improving caregiver QoL and patient outcomes in primary palliative care. Larger prospective studies are needed.