Investigating the Impact of Transitional Care Model Implementation on Quality of Life and Care Burden in Family Caregivers of Patients With Multiple Chronic Conditions: A Randomized Clinical Trial in Iran

Abstract

Background and Aims: This study aimed to evaluate the impact of the Transitional Care Model (TCM) on quality of life (QoL) and caregiver burden among family caregivers of patients with multiple chronic conditions (MCCs). Methods: A two-arm, single-blind (data analysts blinded) randomized clinical trial was conducted from April to November 2024. Sixty-eight family caregivers of hospitalized patients with MCCs were enrolled via sequential sampling and randomized into two groups using block randomization (block size = 4). The intervention group (n = 34) received routine care plus TCM from hospitalization through 2 months postdischarge, while the control group (n = 34) received routine care only. Data were collected using sociodemographic and clinical questionnaires, a validated QoL scale, and a caregiver burden scale. Analyses were performed with SPSS version 24 using descriptive and inferential statistics. Results: Postintervention, the intervention group showed a significant increase in overall QoL scores (59.27 +/- 17.66 to 63.30 +/- 19.34; p = 0.02), with significant improvements in the physical, social, and environmental domains (p <= 0.01). No significant change was observed in the mental health domain (p = 0.06). Caregiver burden scores decreased significantly (52.48 +/- 15.86 to 49.09 +/- 15.89; p < 0.001). In the control group, overall QoL, physical health, and mental health scores decreased significantly (p <= 0.02), while caregiver burden increased significantly (59.31 +/- 14.30 to 61.34 +/- 14.03; p < 0.001). Between-group comparisons post-intervention revealed higher overall QoL and physical, mental, and environmental health scores (p <= 0.01) and lower caregiver burden (p = 0.004) in the intervention group; social relations did not differ (p = 0.51). Conclusion: The TCM appears to be a promising approach for reducing caregiver burden and improving quality of life among family caregivers of patients with MCCs. However, given the relatively small sample size, further large-scale studies are warranted to confirm and extend these findings.