en پرستاری Nursing پژوهشي Original Research Articles <div style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Objectives:</strong> Many families in Iran fail to adapt to their new role of being a stroke caregiver and experience high levels of distress; thus, they may need some form of support. The present study aimed to develop a discharge planning program for the family caregivers of stroke patients in Iran. We also determined the program efficacy on their level of stress and preparedness for caregiving.<br> <strong>Methods:</strong> A post-test only randomized controlled trial design was conducted on 60 family caregivers of stroke survivors. The study participants (n=30) in the experimental group received a family caregiver-oriented discharge planning program consisting of 3 phases; assessing families&rsquo; educational needs, educating families, and follow-up calls. The routine hospital care was provided to the controls (n=30). The data were collected using Kingston Caregiver Stress Scale and the Preparedness for Caregiving scale. Data were analyzed by SPSS.&nbsp;<br> <strong>Results:</strong> The level of preparedness for caregiving was significantly higher in the experimental group. The experimental group experienced lower levels of stress, compared to the control group members (P<0.001).<br> <strong>Discussion:</strong> To enhance family preparedness for caregiving and decrease their stress, it is necessary to use a discharge planning program with an emphasis on individualized education and post-discharge follow-up. This program could be implemented in Iranian hospitals at a low cost. The findings of this study may provide a reference for specialist nurses who cope with stroke caregivers in Iran.</div> Family caregivers, Stroke survivors, Discharge planning, Rehabilitation nursing 113 120 http://irj.uswr.ac.ir/browse.php?a_code=A-10-782-1&slc_lang=en&sid=1 Sepideh Mohammadi sepidmohamadi@yahoo.com 0000-0001-6222-5828 No Department of Medical Surgical Nursing, Ramsar School of Nursing and Midwifery, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran. Soheila Zabolypour s_zabolypour@yahoo.com 0000-0001-8830-249x No Department of Nursing, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Yasuj University of Medical Sciences, Yasuj, Iran. Fatemeh Ghaffari ghafarifateme@yahoo.com 0000-0003-1940-1579 No Department of Medical Surgical Nursing, Ramsar School of Nursing and Midwifery, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran. Tajmohammad Arazi tajmohamadarazi@gmail.com 0000-0002-7117-162x Yes Department of Nursing, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Neyshabur University of Medical Sciences, Neyshabur, Iran.