Evaluation of the Impact of a Psycho-educational Intervention On Knowledge Levels and Psychological Outcomes for People Diagnosed with Schizophrenia and Their Caregivers in Jordan

Investigating the effects of a virtual reality-based stress management programme on inpatients with mental disorders: A pilot randomised controlled trial

This study aimed to examine the effects and feasibility of a virtual screen-based stress management programme (V-DESSERTS) on inpatients with mental disorders. A single-blinded, pilot randomised controlled trial was conducted in a tertiary hospital in Singapore. Convenience sampling was used and participants were randomised into either the intervention group or the waitlisted control group (WL). The intervention group received individual-based, twice-daily sessions of the programme. Each session comprised education and virtual screen-based relaxation practice. Data were collected through self-reported questionnaires and physiological measures. The intervention group showed a significant increase in perceived relaxation and knowledge in comparison with the WL group. However, inconclusive results were observed on subjective and objective stress. The findings in this study indicated that the V-DESSERTS programme is feasible to be implemented for patients with schizophrenia, depression and bipolar disorders.

Effectiveness of a psychoeducational intervention for caregivers of People With Dementia with regard to burden, anxiety and depression: A systematic review

AIM

To assess the effectiveness of psychoeducational interventions with respect to burden, anxiety and depression in family caregivers of People With Dementia living at home.

BACKGROUND

In dementia, the family assumes the role of main caregiver, maintaining the patient in a good state of health. Nevertheless, burden, anxiety and depression may have negative repercussions in caregivers. Therefore, professional supports through psychoeducational programmes are recommended as interventions for improving caregivers' health.

DESIGN

A quantitative systematic review.

DATA SOURCES

Electronic searches were performed in CINAHL/AMED/CENTRAL/Web of Science/LILACS/PUBMED from January 2005-August 2018.

REVIEW METHODS

The review was conducted using the JADAD scale to assess bias risk and the quality of the randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and the CONSORT instrument to assess study quality report. The extracted data were reviewed by independent reviewer pairs. The review was reported using PRISMA.

RESULTS

A total of 18 RCTs met inclusion criteria. Seven were classified as Technology-based Interventions and 11 as Group-based Interventions.

CONCLUSION

Psychoeducational interventions for caregivers allow them to increase their knowledge of the illness, develop problem-solving skills and facilitate social support. Technology-based Interventions significantly affect burden while Group-based Interventions affect anxiety, depression, insomnia and burden and quality of life and self-efficacy.

IMPACT

Research findings can be used to classify caregivers in future interventions according to illness stage to obtain more precise results.