The MHA Keystone Center, in partnership with the Michigan Health Endowment Fund, released findings from a two-year pilot since implementing the Michigan Caregiver Navigation Toolkit in acute care settings. Results show reductions in caregiver strain and stronger caregiver support infrastructure across two Michigan health systems. Both organizations implemented the toolkit and conducted annual gap analyses to identify workflow gaps, set priorities and integrate caregiver support practices.
The MHA Keystone Center released two KeyLearnings modules to support implementation of the toolkit. The Michigan Caregiver Navigation Toolkit Module guides hospital teams through each section of the toolkit, while the Identifying, Understanding and Communicating the Role of Caregivers Module highlights the physical and emotional impact of caregiving and the importance of timely education, communication and resource support.
Caregiver Burnout as a Quality, Safety Concern
The pilot focused on reducing physical and emotional challenges for individuals caring for friends, neighbors or family members with complex health needs. Lower caregiver strain can lead to more timely support, fewer complications and reduced reliance on high-acuity services. Strengthening caregiver resilience supports improved patient outcomes and safety.
Pilot Sites Demonstrate Improvements
One pilot site reassessed 113 unpaid caregivers two months after initial evaluation and reported improvements across indicators. This includes:
- Caregiver Intensity Index decreased by 54%
- Mental health impact decreased by 46%
- Stress-related drivers decreased by 70%
- Stress-buffering supports increased by 19%
Caregiver intensity levels also shifted:
- High-intensity cases decreased from 21 to 1
- Moderate-intensity cases decreased from 84 to 10
- Low-intensity cases increased from 8 to 50
These results indicate fewer caregivers remained in high-risk categories after receiving structured support from admission through two months post-discharge.
Guided by the MHA Keystone Center, both health systems implemented core toolkit components, including staff engagement, standardized assessments, community partnerships, communication strategies and sustainability planning. Staffing offsets supported participation in assessments and improvement activities. An online learning module was developed to expand statewide access and is available to members at no cost, along with the toolkit.
Key Takeaways for Quality and Safety Leaders
The pilot offers insights for leaders focused on reducing harm and improving system reliability, including:
- Reducing caregiver strain supports patient safety by decreasing delays, complications and avoidable utilization
- Annual gap analyses help identify deficiencies and guide targeted improvements
- Standardized workflows, education tools and assessments support consistent caregiver practices
- The model provides a practical path to reduce caregiver-related safety risks and improve outcomes
Members with questions may contact Joshua Suire at the MHA Keystone Center.
The National Alliance for Caregiving will host the webinar “Practical Methods for Integrating Caregivers into Care Delivery” from 1 to 2 p.m. ET May 27, highlighting how hospitals and health systems are embedding caregivers into care models across settings and patient populations.
Joshua Suire, MHA, BSN, RN, director, safety and quality, MHA Keystone Center, will serve as a featured speaker during the national webinar. Suire will share insights from the Michigan Caregiver Navigation Toolkit pilot, including how Michigan organizations are designing and testing practical strategies to identify, assess and support family caregivers in routine care. 
