ENGAGING A COMMUNITY ADVISORY BOARD TO INTEGRATE FAMILY CAREGIVERS IN HOSPITAL-TO SNF TRANSITIONS

Sep 28, 2026

Uploaded by James

Engaging a Community Advisory Board to Integrate Family Caregivers in Hospital-to SNF Transitions describes how an integrated research-practice partnership model formed a community advisory board (CAB) with representatives from hospitals, skilled nursing facilities/post-acute care, and family caregiver groups. Across three one-hour meetings, CAB members co-developed a patient- and family-centered intervention, Better Connections, and refined integration protocols and materials. Survey feedback assessed satisfaction and CAB structure and supported three CAB-informed phases for caregiver involvement during hospital-SNF transitions.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryHealthcare

FormatPDF

Pages1

Reading Time3 min

AccessFree to download

Introduction

CAB Formation and Participant Roles

Co-development of Better Connections

CAB Survey Feedback and Phased Approach

Recommended Conversation Guides

96 Innovation in Aging, 2025, Vol. 9, No. S2 care quality. Using the Integrated Research-Practice Partnerships Process Model, we formed a community advisory board (CAB) with members from hospitals (n = 2), SNF/post-acute (n = 2), and FCGs (n=2). In three one-hour meetings, the CAB provided input on FCG integration and intervention protocols and materials to co-develop a patient- and family-centered intervention, Better Connections. A post-meeting survey gathered feedback on satisfaction and CAB structure. The CAB identified three phases for FCG involvement during hospital-SNF transitions: 1) predischarge hospital meeting; 2) planning for transfer; and 3) SNF initial care plan meeting. Key elements included improving communication, establishing points of contact, and identifying and fulfilling unmet education/transition needs. The CAB recommended developing conversation guides with questions, resources, and communication tips for FCGs and hospital/ SNF teams. Five of six surveys were completed. CAB members agreed or strongly agreed that meetings were productive, their input was valued, their time and expertise were used effectively, and their contributions influenced the direction of the project. Three CAB members found learning about the perspectives of other roles was educational and enlightening. Engaging a CAB with varied roles guided us to co-develop Better Connections, emphasizing the importance of FCG involvement and communication throughout the hospital-SNF transition process. Abstract citation ID: igaf122.317 ENGAGING A COMMUNITY ADVISORY BOARD TO INTEGRATE FAMILY CAREGIVERS IN HOSPITAL-TO SNF TRANSITIONS Alycia Bristol, Shinduk Lee, Brenda Luther, and Gail Towsley, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, United States Transitions from hospitals to skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) are often complex and require careful planning with older adults and their family caregivers (FCGs; e.g., unpaid family or friends) . Despite the numerous existing care transition interventions, few consider FCG involvement, contributing to poor communication, poor patient outcomes, increased readmission risks, and reduced

FAQs

What was the purpose of forming the community advisory board (CAB)?

To provide input for integrating family caregivers (FCGs) during hospital-SNF transitions and help co-develop intervention protocols and materials.

How was Better Connections developed with CAB input?

Through three one-hour CAB meetings that guided co-development of a patient- and family-centered intervention, including integration and transition materials.

What phases did the CAB identify for FCG involvement?

Three phases: (1) predischarge hospital meeting, (2) planning for transfer, and (3) SNF initial care plan meeting.

Sep 28, 2026

Uploaded by James