Research Summary

Dr. Bristol’s research broadly seeks to address the care needs of hospitalized older adults and family caregivers, with a particular focus on patient safety and care quality. Dr. Bristol has conducted research in the areas of caregiving, palliative care, dementia symptom management, and care transitions. She is currently examining the influence of intra-hospital transitions on discharge planning and caregivers’ readiness for discharge.

Education

• BA, English and History, Walla Walla College
• BS, Nursing, Loma Linda University
• MS, Nursing; Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist, Loma Linda University
• PhD, Nursing, The University of Arizona. Project: Family Caregivers' Experiences During Transitions Within an Acute Care Setting