Carer led education as a tool: CARES – Cardiac And Respiratory Extended Support program Linda Soars, Debbie Kelly and Kay Chapman Southcare, Sutherland Hospital South Eastern Sydney Local Health District Funded by the Australian Government through the Department of Health and Ageing under the National Palliative Care Program Snapshot of evaluating a chronic disease self-management tool:

CARES program ( ) offered a community model of care for patients in the final phase of a chronic heart or lung condition that Empowered & supported carers allowed carers to set their own educational goals and strategies used needs analysis and evaluation each time to determine topics and progress

Outcome for carers Program built on a Survey (20 carers) in 2006/07 – Clinical care and specialised disease support – 4.85/5.0 – Emotional support – 5.0/5.0 – Carer Strain Index measured: unmet social and emotional needs Changes in the reduction of carer strain – financial concerns 2.6 to 1.0/5.0 – emotional concerns 3.3 to 2.1/5.0 – social life concerns 3.1 to 1.9/5.0

Patient/Carer led education – empowerment to set the topics

Further information: The CareSearch website and project provides access to palliative care evidence and information for health professionals and consumers. Any questions? Linda Soars, Chronic Care Partnership Manager St George & Sutherland Hospitals South Eastern Sydney LHD