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Hetzel C, Schaller J, Michel W, Froböse I. [Effects of a One-Week Inpatient Health Programme for Family Caregivers and Persons in Need of Care (SVLFG Care Tandem) - A Quasi-Experimental Study]. DAS GESUNDHEITSWESEN 2024. [PMID: 38604607 DOI: 10.1055/a-2305-0146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/13/2024]
Abstract
AIM The aim of this study was to assess the effect of a one-week inpatient health programme for family carers together with the persons in need of care (care tandem) on the well-being of family carers. Acceptance and subjective benefits were also assessed. The intervention was funded by the Social Insurance for Agriculture, Forestry and Horticulture (SVLFG). METHODOLOGY Central to the intervention are (1) the home care counselling before the seminar, (2) the one-week seminar in the setting of a rehabilitation clinic at a health resort, in particular with a care course, exercise and relaxation units and the use of local remedies, (3) the substitute care of the person in need of care in close proximity to the seminar location and (4) the low-threshold telephone aftercare by SVLFG specialists. In a controlled prospective panel study (IG n=35, VG n=67, allocation not randomised), well-being (WHO-5, range 0-100) was measured at several points in time (IG: 0, 1, 9, 17, 28 and 43 weeks after the start of the seminar; VG 0, 17, 28 and 43 weeks). Statistical analyses were performed using fixed-effects panel regression, controlling for time-varying covariates (period effects, external stress). RESULTS In the IG (80% women, mean age 66.5 years), 69% of family carers showed evidence of clinically relevant depression at baseline. All care levels were represented among the people in need of care, predominantly 2 and 3, with medically diagnosed dementia in 37% of the cases. The VG was similarly structured. Under the condition of stable external stress, the initial effect was very clear (delta=+19 points). The effect then flattened out, but remained fairly stable at around 10 points above the initial level. Although the last measurement (43 weeks) was no longer statistically significantly higher, it was independent of the development of external stress. Acceptance and subjective benefit were very high. CONCLUSIONS The strength of the intervention is the dyadic approach. The intervention promotes well-being and is highly accepted. The design allows at least cautious causal conclusions. For the remaining limitations, larger case numbers and a randomised controlled trial would be necessary.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Hetzel
- Institut für Qualitätssicherung in Prävention und Rehabilitation iqpr GmbH an der Deutschen Sporthochschule Köln, Köln, Germany
| | - Julia Schaller
- Gesundheitsangebote, Sozialversicherung für Landwirtschaft, Forsten und Gartenbau, Kassel, Germany
| | - Wolfgang Michel
- Gesundheitsangebote, Sozialversicherung für Landwirtschaft, Forsten und Gartenbau, Kassel, Germany
| | - Ingo Froböse
- Institut für Bewegungstherapie und bewegungsorientierte Prävention und Rehabilitation, Deutsche Sporthochschule Köln, Köln, Germany
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Gemito L, Alves E, Moreira J, Marques MF, Caldeira E, Ferreira R, Bico I, Pinho L, Fonseca C, Sousa L, Lopes M. Programmes Addressed to Informal Caregivers' Needs: A Systematic Literature Review. Geriatrics (Basel) 2024; 9:71. [PMID: 38920427 PMCID: PMC11202834 DOI: 10.3390/geriatrics9030071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2024] [Revised: 05/17/2024] [Accepted: 05/28/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Addressing informal caregivers' needs is essential for ensuring quality healthcare and promoting citizen-centred care. This systematic review assessed current knowledge about programmes aimed at meeting the needs of informal caregivers of adults who are dependent on others for daily life activities. METHODS Following the PRISMA guidelines, the electronic databases EBSCOhost Research Platform, MEDLINE, CINAHL, Scopus, Web of Science and The Virtual Health Library were searched for randomized experimental studies published between 2012 and 2022 that implemented programmes addressing informal caregivers' needs to improve their experiences, health, and well-being. Quality was assessed using the standardized critical evaluation tools from the Joanna Briggs Institute. Two independent investigators performed the eligibility assessment and data extraction. Quantitative data on the effectiveness of interventions were collected, and the content of each intervention was synthesized and aggregated into categories, through narrative synthesis. RESULTS The majority of the included studies (n = 16) were conducted in European countries and implemented a structured intervention programme compared to the provision of usual care. The studies were of fair to high methodological quality, with a higher risk of bias related to blinding. The results supported the achievement of favourable health outcomes among informal caregivers, namely improvements in mental health (n = 3) and quality of life (n = 3) and a decrease in psychological symptomatology (n = 5) and burden (n = 3). None of the interventions reported adverse outcomes; however, five studies did not describe significant differences in the outcomes assessed after the implementation of the programmes. Interventions focusing on training and educating caregivers (n = 14) and cognitive-behavioural strategies (n = 7) were the most common, while programmes focusing on emotional and psychological support as a resource to improve caregivers' psychological outcomes were scarce. CONCLUSIONS This systematic review adds to the growing body of evidence and insight showing that programmes that address informal caregivers' needs seem to contribute to better physical and psychological health outcomes through the promotion of caregivers' educational support and the implementation of cognitive-behavioural strategies. Future research should implement methodologically robust cross-country programmes tailored to informal caregivers' physical, emotional, psychosocial, societal, and educational needs throughout the care trajectory.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laurência Gemito
- São João de Deus School of Nursing, University of Évora, 7000-811 Évora, Portugal; (L.G.); (E.A.); (J.M.); (M.F.M.); (E.C.); (I.B.); (C.F.); (M.L.)
- Comprehensive Health Research Centre (CHRC), 7000-811 Évora, Portugal; (R.F.)
| | - Elisabete Alves
- São João de Deus School of Nursing, University of Évora, 7000-811 Évora, Portugal; (L.G.); (E.A.); (J.M.); (M.F.M.); (E.C.); (I.B.); (C.F.); (M.L.)
- Comprehensive Health Research Centre (CHRC), 7000-811 Évora, Portugal; (R.F.)
| | - José Moreira
- São João de Deus School of Nursing, University of Évora, 7000-811 Évora, Portugal; (L.G.); (E.A.); (J.M.); (M.F.M.); (E.C.); (I.B.); (C.F.); (M.L.)
- Comprehensive Health Research Centre (CHRC), 7000-811 Évora, Portugal; (R.F.)
| | - Maria Fátima Marques
- São João de Deus School of Nursing, University of Évora, 7000-811 Évora, Portugal; (L.G.); (E.A.); (J.M.); (M.F.M.); (E.C.); (I.B.); (C.F.); (M.L.)
- Comprehensive Health Research Centre (CHRC), 7000-811 Évora, Portugal; (R.F.)
| | - Ermelinda Caldeira
- São João de Deus School of Nursing, University of Évora, 7000-811 Évora, Portugal; (L.G.); (E.A.); (J.M.); (M.F.M.); (E.C.); (I.B.); (C.F.); (M.L.)
- Comprehensive Health Research Centre (CHRC), 7000-811 Évora, Portugal; (R.F.)
| | - Rogério Ferreira
- Comprehensive Health Research Centre (CHRC), 7000-811 Évora, Portugal; (R.F.)
- School of Health of Beja, Polytechnic Institute of Beja, 7800-111 Beja, Portugal
| | - Isabel Bico
- São João de Deus School of Nursing, University of Évora, 7000-811 Évora, Portugal; (L.G.); (E.A.); (J.M.); (M.F.M.); (E.C.); (I.B.); (C.F.); (M.L.)
- Comprehensive Health Research Centre (CHRC), 7000-811 Évora, Portugal; (R.F.)
| | - Lara Pinho
- São João de Deus School of Nursing, University of Évora, 7000-811 Évora, Portugal; (L.G.); (E.A.); (J.M.); (M.F.M.); (E.C.); (I.B.); (C.F.); (M.L.)
- Comprehensive Health Research Centre (CHRC), 7000-811 Évora, Portugal; (R.F.)
| | - César Fonseca
- São João de Deus School of Nursing, University of Évora, 7000-811 Évora, Portugal; (L.G.); (E.A.); (J.M.); (M.F.M.); (E.C.); (I.B.); (C.F.); (M.L.)
- Comprehensive Health Research Centre (CHRC), 7000-811 Évora, Portugal; (R.F.)
| | - Luís Sousa
- Comprehensive Health Research Centre (CHRC), 7000-811 Évora, Portugal; (R.F.)
- School of Health Atlântica (ESSATLA), Atlântica University, 2730-036 Barcarena, Portugal
| | - Manuel Lopes
- São João de Deus School of Nursing, University of Évora, 7000-811 Évora, Portugal; (L.G.); (E.A.); (J.M.); (M.F.M.); (E.C.); (I.B.); (C.F.); (M.L.)
- Comprehensive Health Research Centre (CHRC), 7000-811 Évora, Portugal; (R.F.)
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Spiers G, Tan MMC, Astbury JL, Hall A, Ahmed N, Lanyi K, Williams O, Beyer F, Craig D, Hanratty B. What works to support carers of older people and older carers? an international evidence map of interventions and outcomes. BMC Geriatr 2024; 24:301. [PMID: 38553679 PMCID: PMC10979610 DOI: 10.1186/s12877-024-04897-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2023] [Accepted: 03/15/2024] [Indexed: 04/02/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Unpaid carers of older people, and older unpaid carers, experience a range of adverse outcomes. Supporting carers should therefore be a public health priority. Our understanding of what works to support carers could be enhanced if future evaluations prioritise under-researched interventions and outcomes. To support this, we aimed to: map evidence about interventions to support carers, and the outcomes evaluated; and identify key gaps in current evidence. METHODS Evidence gap map review methods were used. Searches were carried out in three bibliographic databases for quantitative evaluations of carer interventions published in OECD high-income countries between 2013 and 2023. Interventions were eligible if they supported older carers (50 + years) of any aged recipient, or any aged carers of older people (50 + years). FINDINGS 205 studies reported across 208 publications were included in the evidence map. The majority evaluated the impact of therapeutic and educational interventions on carer burden and carers' mental health. Some studies reported evidence about physical exercise interventions and befriending and peer support for carers, but these considered a limited range of outcomes. Few studies evaluated interventions that focused on delivering financial information and advice, pain management, and physical skills training for carers. Evaluations rarely considered the impact of interventions on carers' physical health, quality of life, and social and financial wellbeing. Very few studies considered whether interventions delivered equitable outcomes. CONCLUSION Evidence on what works best to support carers is extensive but limited in scope. A disproportionate focus on mental health and burden outcomes neglects other important areas where carers may need support. Given the impact of caring on carers' physical health, financial and social wellbeing, future research could evaluate interventions that aim to support these outcomes. Appraisal of whether interventions deliver equitable outcomes across diverse carer populations is critical.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gemma Spiers
- Population Health Sciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK.
| | - Michelle M C Tan
- Population Health Sciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Jayne L Astbury
- School of Health Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Alex Hall
- School of Health Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Nisar Ahmed
- School of Health Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Kate Lanyi
- Population Health Sciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Oleta Williams
- Population Health Sciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Fiona Beyer
- Population Health Sciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Dawn Craig
- Population Health Sciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Barbara Hanratty
- Population Health Sciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
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Rodríguez AA, García M, Martínez O, López-Paz JF, García I, Pérez-Nuñez P, Amayra I. Predictors of overload in parents of children with neuromuscular diseases. Front Neurol 2024; 15:1349501. [PMID: 38585358 PMCID: PMC10996859 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2024.1349501] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2023] [Accepted: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 04/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Parents of children with neuromuscular diseases experience multiple difficulties in their daily lives that affect their physical and psychological health. The risk factors for these health issues have not been sufficiently investigated. Therefore, the aim of this study was to analyze the potential predictors of overload in these parents, including QoL, somatic symptomatology, life satisfaction, psychological adjustment and certain sociodemographic variables. Methods A cross-sectional research study was conducted among parents who are caregivers for children with NMD in Spain. A convenience sample of 110 parents who were contacted by associations and hospitals was used. Variables were evaluated using the sociodemographic questionnaire, CarerQol-7D, PHQ-15, Barthel Index, Psychological Adaptation Scale, Zarit Overload Scale and Satisfaction with Life Scale. Results One of the most relevant findings of the present study is the identification of 3 overload groups (mild to moderate, moderate to severe, and severe overload) based on life satisfaction and somatic symptom scores within the predictive model of the discriminate analysis. Wilk's lambda of the discriminant function was 0.568, χ2 (2, n = 55) = 8.815, p < 0.001. Discussion This study presents a model that reveals the influence of unemployment, having a child with a severe level of dependency, the presence of somatic symptomatology and life satisfaction on caregiver overload. Likewise, the caregiver's self-esteem could be a protective factor against overload.
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Affiliation(s)
- A. A. Rodríguez
- Neuro-e-Motion Research Team, Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Psychology, University of Deusto, Bilbao, Spain
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Decosimo K, Drake C, Coffman CJ, Sperber NR, Tucker M, Hughes JM, Zullig LL, Chadduck T, Christensen L, Kaufman B, Allen KD, Hastings SN, Van Houtven CH. Implementation intensification to disseminate a skills-based caregiver training program: protocol for a type III effectiveness-implementation hybrid trial. Implement Sci Commun 2023; 4:97. [PMID: 37587517 PMCID: PMC10428549 DOI: 10.1186/s43058-023-00475-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2023] [Accepted: 07/24/2023] [Indexed: 08/18/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Family caregiver training decreases caregiver psychological burden and improves caregiver depressive symptoms and health-related quality of life. Caregivers FIRST is an evidence-based group skills training curriculum for family caregivers and was announced for national dissemination in partnership with the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) National Caregiver Support Program (CSP). Previous evaluations of Caregivers FIRST implementation highlighted that varying support was needed to successfully implement the program, ranging from minimal technical assistance to intensive assistance and support. However, we do not know the optimal level of support needed to inform cost-effective national scaling of the program. We describe a protocol for randomizing 24 non-adopting VA medical centers 1:1 to a tailored, high-touch implementation support or a standard, low-touch implementation support to test the primary hypothesis that high-touch support increases Caregivers FIRST penetration, fidelity, and adoption. Additionally, we describe the methods for evaluating the effect of Caregivers FIRST participation on Veteran outcomes using a quasi-experimental design and the methods for a business case analysis to examine cost of delivery differences among sites assigned to a low or high-touch implementation support. METHODS We use a type III hybrid implementation-effectiveness study design enrolling VA medical centers that do not meet Caregivers FIRST adoption benchmarks following the announcement of the program as mandated within the CSP. Eligible medical centers will be randomized to receive a standard low-touch implementation support based on Replicating Effective Programs (REP) only or to an enhanced REP (high-touch) implementation support consisting of facilitation and tailored technical assistance. Implementation outcomes include penetration (primary), fidelity, and adoption at 12 months. Mixed methods will explore sites' perceptions and experiences of the high-touch intensification strategy. Additional analyses will include a patient-level effectiveness outcome (Veteran days at home and not in an institution) and a business case analysis using staffing and labor cost data. DISCUSSION This pragmatic trial will lead to the development and refinement of implementation tools to support VA in spreading and sustaining Caregivers FIRST in the most efficient means possible. TRIAL REGISTRATION This study was registered on April 8, 2022, at ClinicalTrials.gov (identifier NCT05319535).
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Affiliation(s)
- Kasey Decosimo
- Center of Innovation to Accelerate Discovery and Practice Transformation, Durham VA Health Care System, Durham, NC, 27705, USA.
| | - Connor Drake
- Center of Innovation to Accelerate Discovery and Practice Transformation, Durham VA Health Care System, Durham, NC, 27705, USA
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Cynthia J Coffman
- Center of Innovation to Accelerate Discovery and Practice Transformation, Durham VA Health Care System, Durham, NC, 27705, USA
- Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Nina R Sperber
- Center of Innovation to Accelerate Discovery and Practice Transformation, Durham VA Health Care System, Durham, NC, 27705, USA
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Matthew Tucker
- Center of Innovation to Accelerate Discovery and Practice Transformation, Durham VA Health Care System, Durham, NC, 27705, USA
| | - Jaime M Hughes
- Center of Innovation to Accelerate Discovery and Practice Transformation, Durham VA Health Care System, Durham, NC, 27705, USA
- Department of Implementation Science, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
- Section On Gerontology and Geriatric Medicine, Division of Internal Medicine, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
| | - Leah L Zullig
- Center of Innovation to Accelerate Discovery and Practice Transformation, Durham VA Health Care System, Durham, NC, 27705, USA
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Trisha Chadduck
- Veteran's Health Administration Central Office, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Leah Christensen
- Veteran's Health Administration Central Office, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Brystana Kaufman
- Center of Innovation to Accelerate Discovery and Practice Transformation, Durham VA Health Care System, Durham, NC, 27705, USA
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
- Duke-Margolis Center for Health Policy, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Kelli D Allen
- Center of Innovation to Accelerate Discovery and Practice Transformation, Durham VA Health Care System, Durham, NC, 27705, USA
- Department of Medicine & Thurston Arthritis Research Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - S Nicole Hastings
- Center of Innovation to Accelerate Discovery and Practice Transformation, Durham VA Health Care System, Durham, NC, 27705, USA
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
- Center for the Study of Aging and Human Development, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
- Geriatric Research, Education, and Clinical Center, Durham VA Health Care System, Durham, NC, USA
- Division of Geriatrics, Department of Medicine, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Courtney H Van Houtven
- Center of Innovation to Accelerate Discovery and Practice Transformation, Durham VA Health Care System, Durham, NC, 27705, USA
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
- Duke-Margolis Center for Health Policy, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
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Van Houtven CH, Drake C, Malo TL, Decosimo K, Tucker M, Sullivan C, D'Adolf J, Hughes JM, Christensen L, Grubber JM, Coffman CJ, Sperber NR, Wang V, Allen KD, Hastings SN, Shea CM, Zullig LL. Ready, set, go! The role of organizational readiness to predict adoption of a family caregiver training program using the Rogers' diffusion of innovation theory. Implement Sci Commun 2023; 4:69. [PMID: 37337208 DOI: 10.1186/s43058-023-00447-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2022] [Accepted: 05/30/2023] [Indexed: 06/21/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Caregivers FIRST is an evidence-based program addressing gaps in caregivers' skills. In 2020, the Veterans Health Administration Caregiver Support Program (CSP) nationally endorsed Caregivers FIRST, offering credit in leadership performance plans to encourage all VA medical centers (VAMCs) to implement locally. This study examines the association of organizational readiness with VAMC adoption of Caregivers FIRST. METHODS In a cohort observational study, we surveyed CSP managers about their facilities' readiness to implement using the Organizational Readiness for Implementing Change (ORIC) instrument and compared change commitment and change efficacy domains among VAMCs "adopters" defined as delivering Caregivers FIRST within 1 year of the national announcement to those that did not ("non-adopters"). Within "adopters," we categorized time to adoption based on Rogers' diffusion of innovation theory including "innovators," "early adopters," "early majority," "late adopters," and "laggards." Organizational readiness and site characteristics (facility complexity, staffing levels, volume of applications for caregiver assistance services) were compared between "adopters," "non-adopters," and between time to adoption subcategories. Separate logistic regression models were used to assess whether ORIC and site characteristics were associated with early adoption among "adopters." RESULTS Fifty-one of 63 (81%) VAMCs with CSP manager survey respondents adopted Caregivers FIRST during the first year. ORIC change commitment and efficacy were similar for "adopters" and "non-adopters." However, sites that adopted earlier (innovators and early adopters) had higher ORIC change commitment and efficacy scores than the rest of the "adopters." Logistic regression results indicated that higher ORIC change commitment (odds ratio [OR] = 2.57; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.11-5.95) and ORIC change efficacy (OR = 2.60; 95% CI, 1.12-6.03) scores were associated with increased odds that a VAMC was an early adopter (categorized as an "innovator," "early adopter", or "early majority"). Site-level characteristics were not associated with Caregivers FIRST early adoption. CONCLUSIONS To our knowledge, this study is the first to prospectively assess organizational readiness and the timing of subsequent program adoption. Early adoption was associated with higher ORIC change commitment and change efficacy and not site-level characteristics. These findings yield insights into the role of organizational readiness to accelerate program adoption. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03474380. Registered on March 22, 2018.
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Affiliation(s)
- Courtney H Van Houtven
- Center of Innovation to Accelerate Discovery and Practice Transformation, Durham VA Health Care System (152), 508 Fulton Street, Durham, NC, 27705, USA
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
- Duke-Margolis Center for Health Policy, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Connor Drake
- Center of Innovation to Accelerate Discovery and Practice Transformation, Durham VA Health Care System (152), 508 Fulton Street, Durham, NC, 27705, USA
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Teri L Malo
- Center of Innovation to Accelerate Discovery and Practice Transformation, Durham VA Health Care System (152), 508 Fulton Street, Durham, NC, 27705, USA
| | - Kasey Decosimo
- Center of Innovation to Accelerate Discovery and Practice Transformation, Durham VA Health Care System (152), 508 Fulton Street, Durham, NC, 27705, USA.
| | - Matthew Tucker
- Center of Innovation to Accelerate Discovery and Practice Transformation, Durham VA Health Care System (152), 508 Fulton Street, Durham, NC, 27705, USA
| | - Caitlin Sullivan
- Center of Innovation to Accelerate Discovery and Practice Transformation, Durham VA Health Care System (152), 508 Fulton Street, Durham, NC, 27705, USA
| | - Josh D'Adolf
- Center of Innovation to Accelerate Discovery and Practice Transformation, Durham VA Health Care System (152), 508 Fulton Street, Durham, NC, 27705, USA
| | - Jaime M Hughes
- Center of Innovation to Accelerate Discovery and Practice Transformation, Durham VA Health Care System (152), 508 Fulton Street, Durham, NC, 27705, USA
- Department of Implementation Science, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
- Section on Gerontology and Geriatric Medicine, Division of Internal Medicine, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
| | - Leah Christensen
- Veteran's Health Administration Central Office, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Janet M Grubber
- Center of Innovation to Accelerate Discovery and Practice Transformation, Durham VA Health Care System (152), 508 Fulton Street, Durham, NC, 27705, USA
- Cooperative Studies Program Coordinating Center, Veterans Affairs Boston Healthcare System, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Cynthia J Coffman
- Center of Innovation to Accelerate Discovery and Practice Transformation, Durham VA Health Care System (152), 508 Fulton Street, Durham, NC, 27705, USA
- Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Nina R Sperber
- Center of Innovation to Accelerate Discovery and Practice Transformation, Durham VA Health Care System (152), 508 Fulton Street, Durham, NC, 27705, USA
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Virginia Wang
- Center of Innovation to Accelerate Discovery and Practice Transformation, Durham VA Health Care System (152), 508 Fulton Street, Durham, NC, 27705, USA
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
- Duke-Margolis Center for Health Policy, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Kelli D Allen
- Center of Innovation to Accelerate Discovery and Practice Transformation, Durham VA Health Care System (152), 508 Fulton Street, Durham, NC, 27705, USA
- Department of Medicine & Thurston Arthritis Research Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - S Nicole Hastings
- Center of Innovation to Accelerate Discovery and Practice Transformation, Durham VA Health Care System (152), 508 Fulton Street, Durham, NC, 27705, USA
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
- Center for the Study of Aging and Human Development, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
- Geriatric Research, Education, and Clinical Center, Durham VA Health Care System, Durham, NC, USA
- Division of Geriatrics, Department of Medicine, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Christopher M Shea
- Department of Health Policy and Management, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Leah L Zullig
- Center of Innovation to Accelerate Discovery and Practice Transformation, Durham VA Health Care System (152), 508 Fulton Street, Durham, NC, 27705, USA
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
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Muili AO, Mustapha MJ, Offor MC, Oladipo HJ. Emerging roles of telemedicine in dementia treatment and care. Dement Neuropsychol 2023; 17:e20220066. [PMID: 37261258 PMCID: PMC10229090 DOI: 10.1590/1980-5764-dn-2022-0066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2022] [Revised: 12/20/2022] [Accepted: 01/20/2023] [Indexed: 06/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Dementia is a neurological disorder that affects memory, thinking, orientation, and other important functions of the brain; telemedicine is a part of the healthcare delivery system involving diagnosis and consultation over telecommunications devices such as mobile phones and computers. In this review, we assessed the impact, accessibility, and possible improvements in telemedicine in dementia treatment. Regarding the use of telemedicine in the treatment, we evaluated its impact on the management of the disease (i.e., diagnosis and follow-up). We also evaluated studies on the current improvements and accessibility of telemedicine in dementia treatment. The review findings showed that it is effective in diagnosing patients, monitoring their progress during treatment, and providing caregiver support. However, studies have revealed a lack of accessibility and improvement in telemedicine among the elderly, particularly in West African countries. Finally, lasting solutions were provided to address the problems in the review permanently.
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Chang TT, Liang SY, Rosenberg J. Burden of Family Caregivers of Patients with Oral Cancer in Home Care in Taiwan. Healthcare (Basel) 2023; 11:healthcare11081107. [PMID: 37107941 PMCID: PMC10137915 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare11081107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2023] [Revised: 04/07/2023] [Accepted: 04/11/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Oral cancer is currently the fourth leading cause of cancer-related death in Taiwan. The complications and side effects of oral cancer treatment cause a tremendous burden on patients' family caregivers. This study explored the burden on primary family caregivers of patients with oral cancer and its related factors. One hundred and seven patients with oral cancer and their primary family caregivers were included through convenience sampling. The Caregiver Reaction Assessment (CRA) scale was employed as the primary research instrument. The primary factors of caregiver burden, in descending order, were disrupted schedules (M = 3.19, SD = 0.84), a lack of family support (M = 2.82, SD = 0.85), health problems (M = 2.67, SD = 0.68), and financial problems (M = 2.59, SD = 0.84). The CRA scores of the caregivers differed significantly in terms of education level (t = 2.57, p < 0.05) and household income (F = 4.62, p < 0.05), which significantly predicted caregiver burden (R2 = 0.11, F = 4.32, p = 0.007). The study results provide a reference for healthcare professionals to identify the factors for family caregiver burden, as well as the characteristics of patients and family caregivers particularly vulnerable to caregiver burden, thus improving family-centred care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tzu-Ting Chang
- Department of Nursing, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei 112, Taiwan
| | - Shu-Yuan Liang
- School of Nursing, National Taipei University of Nursing and Health Sciences, Taipei 112, Taiwan
| | - John Rosenberg
- School of Health, University of the Sunshine Coast, Caboolture, QLD 4059, Australia
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9
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Dreyer J, Bergmann JM, Köhler K, Hochgraeber I, Pinkert C, Roes M, Thyrian JR, Wiegelmann H, Holle B. Differences and commonalities of home-based care arrangements for persons living with dementia in Germany - a theory-driven development of types using multiple correspondence analysis and hierarchical cluster analysis. BMC Geriatr 2022; 22:723. [PMID: 36050645 PMCID: PMC9438141 DOI: 10.1186/s12877-022-03310-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2022] [Accepted: 07/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Most persons with dementia live at home and want to stay there as long as possible. In most cases, informal carers such as spouses or children care for them. Together with other family members and professional carers, they form care arrangements to address the complex needs of persons with dementia. One major aim of informal carers is to keep the care arrangement stable. The middle-range theory of 'stability of home-based care arrangements for people living with dementia' (SoCA-Dem theory) offers a theory to understand what constitutes and influences the stability of home-based care arrangements. Based on this theory, the aim of this study was to (1) uncover the underlying structures of differences and commonalities of home-based care arrangements for persons living with dementia, (2) construct types of these care arrangements, and (3) compare these types with regard to their stability. METHOD This is a secondary analysis of data from a convenience sample of n = 320 care arrangements for persons with dementia obtained in the observational DemNet-D study. Data were analysed using multiple correspondence analysis and hierarchical cluster analysis. Sociodemographic data and variables related to the structure of the care arrangement (D-IVA), burden of the informal carer (BICS-D), dementia severity (FAST), and quality of life of the person with dementia (QOL-AD) were included. RESULTS The multiple correspondence analysis identified 27 axes that explained the entire variance between all care arrangements. The two axes 'dementia and care trajectory' and 'structure of the dyadic relationship' best distinguished care arrangements from each other and together explained 27.10% of the variance. The subsequent cluster analysis identified four types of care arrangements. Two types included spouse-centred care arrangements, and two types included child-centred care arrangements at different phases of the dementia and care trajectory. The types differ with regard to their stability. CONCLUSION The results highlight the heterogeneity and commonality of care arrangements for persons living with dementia. They contribute to a better understanding of informal dementia home care. Furthermore, the results can guide the development of tailored support for persons living with dementia and their caring families.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan Dreyer
- Deutsches Zentrum für Neurodegenerative Erkrankungen (DZNE), site Witten, Witten, Germany.
| | | | - Kerstin Köhler
- Deutsches Zentrum für Neurodegenerative Erkrankungen (DZNE), site Witten, Witten, Germany
| | - Iris Hochgraeber
- Deutsches Zentrum für Neurodegenerative Erkrankungen (DZNE), site Witten, Witten, Germany
| | - Christiane Pinkert
- Deutsches Zentrum für Neurodegenerative Erkrankungen (DZNE), site Witten, Witten, Germany
| | - Martina Roes
- Deutsches Zentrum für Neurodegenerative Erkrankungen (DZNE), site Witten, Witten, Germany
| | - Jochen René Thyrian
- Deutsches Zentrum für Neurodegenerative Erkrankungen (DZNE), site Rostock/Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Henrik Wiegelmann
- Institute for Public Health and Nursing Research, Health Sciences Bremen, University of Bremen, Bremen, Germany
| | - Bernhard Holle
- Deutsches Zentrum für Neurodegenerative Erkrankungen (DZNE), site Witten, Witten, Germany
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10
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Wuttke-Linnemann A, Henrici C, Skoluda N, Nater UM, Endres K, Fellgiebel A. Psychobiological Monitoring of a Home-Based Dyadic Intervention for People Living with Dementia and Their Caregivers: Added Value to Evaluate Treatment Success and Understand Underlying Mechanisms. J Alzheimers Dis 2022; 87:1725-1739. [PMID: 35527544 DOI: 10.3233/jad-210618] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Research concerning people living with dementia (PwD) and their informal caregivers (ICs) has recently begun to focus on dyadic aspects of psychosocial interventions. OBJECTIVE We adapted a dyadic psychosocial intervention and examined its effects on psychobiological stress in daily life. METHODS Twenty-four PwD-caregiver dyads were visited seven times at home by specialized nursing staff. Momentary subjective stress, salivary cortisol (sCort), and salivary alpha-amylase (sAA) were measured in PwD and ICs before and after each home visit as well as six times per day at two days each at the beginning and end of the intervention as part of an ambulatory assessment. Hair cortisol concentrations (HCC) were measured twice. RESULTS After each home visit session, ICs reported lower subjective stress. sCort was lower in both ICs and PwD, whereas sAA did not change. In daily life, area under the curve (AUCg) concerning sCort secretion indicated that PwD had lower sCort daily output at the end of the intervention, and AUCg concerning subjective stress indicated that both PwD and ICs reported lower subjective stress than at the beginning of the intervention. AUCg concerning sAA did not change over time in either group. HCC did not vary over time but increased with disease severity. CONCLUSION The psychosocial intervention reduced psychobiological stress but affected psychobiological stress measures differently in PwD and ICs. In particular, the discrepancy between subjective and physiological markers of stress in PwD emphasizes the added value to evaluate treatment success and understand underlying mechanisms as a complement to self-reports.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Clara Henrici
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Nadine Skoluda
- Department of Clinical and Health Psychology, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.,University Research Platform 'The Stress of Life - Processes and Mechanisms Underlying Everyday Life Stress', University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Urs M Nater
- Department of Clinical and Health Psychology, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.,University Research Platform 'The Stress of Life - Processes and Mechanisms Underlying Everyday Life Stress', University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Kristina Endres
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Andreas Fellgiebel
- Center for Mental Health in Old Age, Landeskrankenhaus (AöR), Mainz, Germany.,Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center Mainz, Mainz, Germany.,Hospital for Psychiatry, Psychosomatic and Psychotherapy, Agaplesion Elisabethenstift, Darmstadt, Germany
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11
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Xiao L, Yu Y, Ratcliffe J, Milte R, Meyer C, Chapman M, Chen L, Ullah S, Kitson A, De Andrade AQ, Beattie E, Brodaty H, McKechnie S, Low LF, Nguyen TA, Whitehead C, Brijnath B, Sinclair R, Voss D. Creating 'Partnership in iSupport program' to optimise family carers' impact on dementia care: a randomised controlled trial protocol. BMC Health Serv Res 2022; 22:762. [PMID: 35689281 PMCID: PMC9185883 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-022-08148-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2022] [Accepted: 06/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The majority of people with dementia are cared for by their family members. However, family carers are often unprepared for their caring roles, receiving less education and support compared with professional carers. The consequences are their reduced mental and physical health and wellbeing, and that of care recipients. This study protocol introduces the ‘Partnership in iSupport program’ that includes five interventional components: managing transitions, managing dementia progression, psychoeducation, carer support group and feedback on services. This health services research is built on family carer and dementia care service provider partnerships. The aims of the study are to evaluate the effectiveness, cost-effectiveness and family carers’ experiences in the program. Methods A multicentre randomised controlled trial will be conducted with family carers of people living with dementia from two tertiary hospitals and two community aged care providers across three Australian states. The estimated sample size is 185 family carers. They will be randomly assigned to either the intervention group or the usual care group. Outcomes are measurable improvements in quality of life for carers and people with dementia, caregiving self-efficacy, social support, dementia related symptoms, and health service use for carers and their care recipients. Data will be collected at three time points: baseline, 6 months and 12 months post-initiation of the intervention. Discussion This is the first large randomised controlled trial of a complex intervention on health and social care services with carers of people living with dementia in real-world practice across hospital and community aged care settings in three Australian states to ascertain the effectiveness, cost-effectiveness and carers’ experiences of the innovative program. We expect that this study will address gaps in supporting dementia carers in health and social care systems while generating new knowledge of the mechanisms of change in the systems. Findings will strengthen proactive health management for both people living with dementia and their carers by embedding, scaling up and sustaining the ‘Partnership in iSupport program’ in the health and social care systems. Trial registration The Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ANZCTR). ACTRN12622000199718. Registered February 4th, 2022. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12913-022-08148-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lily Xiao
- College of Nursing and Health Sciences, Flinders University, Bedford Park, South Australia, 5042, Australia.
| | - Ying Yu
- College of Nursing and Health Sciences, Flinders University, Bedford Park, South Australia, 5042, Australia
| | - Julie Ratcliffe
- College of Nursing and Health Sciences, Flinders University, Bedford Park, South Australia, 5042, Australia
| | - Rachel Milte
- College of Nursing and Health Sciences, Flinders University, Bedford Park, South Australia, 5042, Australia
| | - Claudia Meyer
- College of Nursing and Health Sciences, Flinders University, Bedford Park, South Australia, 5042, Australia.,Bolton Clarke Research Institute, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.,Adjunct Research Fellow; Rehabilitation, Ageing and Independent Living Research Centre, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia.,Honorary Associate, Centre for Health Communication and Participation, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia
| | | | - Langduo Chen
- College of Nursing and Health Sciences, Flinders University, Bedford Park, South Australia, 5042, Australia.,Southern Adelaide Local Health Network, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Shahid Ullah
- College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Bedford Park, South Australia, Australia
| | - Alison Kitson
- College of Nursing and Health Sciences, Flinders University, Bedford Park, South Australia, 5042, Australia
| | - Andre Queiroz De Andrade
- Quality Use of Medicines and Pharmacy Research Centre, Clinical and Medical Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Elizabeth Beattie
- Queensland Dementia Training Study Centre, School of Nursing, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Henry Brodaty
- Centre for Healthy Brain Ageing (CHeBA), School of Psychiatry, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Sue McKechnie
- Community Services, Resthaven Incorporated, Wayville, South Australia, Australia
| | - Lee-Fay Low
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Tuan Anh Nguyen
- Social Gerontology Division, National Ageing Research Institute, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Craig Whitehead
- Southern Adelaide Local Health Network, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Bianca Brijnath
- Social Gerontology Division, National Ageing Research Institute, Melbourne, Australia.,School of Allied Health, Curtin University, Bentley, West Australia, Australia
| | - Ronald Sinclair
- Faculty of Sciences, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Diana Voss
- Southern Adelaide Local Health Network, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
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12
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He J, Wang J, Zhong H, Guan C. The Effectiveness of Multi-Component Interventions on the Positive and Negative Aspects of Well-Being among Informal Caregivers of People with Dementia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19126973. [PMID: 35742220 PMCID: PMC9222573 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19126973] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2022] [Revised: 06/02/2022] [Accepted: 06/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The present review aims to examine whether multi-component interventions for informal caregivers of people with dementia are effective on positive and negative aspects of caregiver well-being. Eleven databases were searched from inception to 8 March 2021. Only randomized controlled trials reporting the effectiveness of multi-component intervention on positive and negative aspects of caregiver well-being were eligible. Endnote X7 (Thomson ResearchSoft, Stanford, CA, USA) was used for study selection and version 5.1.0 of Cochrane Collaboration’s tool (Cochrane, London, UK) was applied for quality assessment. Review Manager (Revman) Version 5.3 (Cochrane, London, UK) was used for the meta-analysis, and if statistical synthesis was inappropriate, only narrative analysis was performed. A total of 31 RCTs with 3939 participants were included. Meta-analyses showed small to moderate effects on subjective well-being, depression, and burden of caregivers, and a moderate to high effect on caregiver anxiety. Due to insufficient data and vast heterogeneity, meta-analysis was not performed for other outcomes, such as resilience, competence, and empathy. This review suggests that individualized multi-component interventions for caregivers may be one of the ways to promote their well-being. Further research is needed to explore the impact of rigorously designed and personalized multi-component interventions on informal caregivers, especially on more positive indicators, as well as its long-term effects and sustainability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinjie He
- Faculty of Nursing, Health Science Center, Xi’an Jiaotong University, #76 Yanta West Road, Xi’an 710061, China; (J.H.); (C.G.)
| | - Jing Wang
- Faculty of Nursing, Health Science Center, Xi’an Jiaotong University, #76 Yanta West Road, Xi’an 710061, China; (J.H.); (C.G.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +86-29-8265-7015
| | - Hongmei Zhong
- Department of Nursing, School of Medicine, Shihezi University, Shihezi 832002, China;
| | - Chengguo Guan
- Faculty of Nursing, Health Science Center, Xi’an Jiaotong University, #76 Yanta West Road, Xi’an 710061, China; (J.H.); (C.G.)
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13
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Chester H, Beresford R, Clarkson P, Entwistle C, Gillan V, Hughes J, Orrell M, Pitts R, Russell I, Symonds E, Challis D. Implementing the Dementia Early Stage Cognitive Aids New Trial (DESCANT) intervention: mixed-method process evaluation alongside a pragmatic randomised trial. Aging Ment Health 2022; 26:667-678. [PMID: 33438441 DOI: 10.1080/13607863.2020.1870204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The DESCANT (Dementia Early Stage Cognitive Aids New Trial) intervention provided a personalised care package designed to improve the cognitive abilities, function and well-being of people with early-stage dementia and their carers, by providing a range of memory aids, together with appropriate training and support. This sub-study aimed to assess implementation and identify contextual factors potentially associated with participant outcomes. METHOD A mixed-methods approach was adopted alongside the pragmatic randomised trial. Data were obtained from intervention records and interviews with five dementia support practitioners across seven National Health Service Trusts in England and Wales. A reporting framework was constructed from available literature and data assessed by descriptive statistics and thematic analysis. RESULTS Participation and engagement was high with 126 out of 128 participants completing the intervention with packages tailored to individual participants. Misplacing items and poor orientation to date and time were common areas of need. Memory aids frequently supplied included orientation clocks (91%), whiteboards (60%), calendars (43%) and notebooks (32%), plus bespoke items. Intervention duration and timing were broadly consistent with expectations. Variation reflected participants' needs, circumstances and preferences. Qualitative findings suggested a potentially positive impact on the well-being of people with dementia and their carers. Issues associated with successful roll-out of the intervention are explored in the discussion. CONCLUSION Successful implementation increased confidence in future findings of the randomised trial. Depending on these, DESCANT may prove a scalable intervention with potential to improve the function and quality of life of people with dementia and their carers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helen Chester
- Institute of Mental Health, School of Medicine, The University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Rebecca Beresford
- Social Care and Society, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Paul Clarkson
- Social Care and Society, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Charlotte Entwistle
- Department of Psychology, Fylde College, Lancaster University, Lancaster, UK
| | - Vincent Gillan
- Social Care and Society, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Jane Hughes
- Institute of Mental Health, School of Medicine, The University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Martin Orrell
- Institute of Mental Health, School of Medicine, The University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Rosa Pitts
- Division of Health Research, Faculty of Health and Medicine, Lancaster University, Lancaster, UK
| | - Ian Russell
- Swansea Trials Unit, Medical School, Swansea University, Swansea, Wales
| | - Eileen Symonds
- Institute of Mental Health, School of Medicine, The University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - David Challis
- Institute of Mental Health, School of Medicine, The University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
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14
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Xiao LD, Wang J, Ratcliffe J, Ullah S, Brodaty H, Brijnath B, Chang HCR, Wang H, Chang CC, Kwok T, Zhu M. A nurse-led multicentre randomized controlled trial on effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of Chinese iSupport for dementia program: A study protocol. J Adv Nurs 2022; 78:1524-1533. [PMID: 35285972 DOI: 10.1111/jan.15216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2021] [Revised: 12/28/2021] [Accepted: 02/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
AIMS To describe a nurse-led multicentre randomized controlled trial protocol developed to evaluate the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of a Chinese iSupport for Dementia program in Australia and Greater China including mainland China, Taiwan, Hong Kong and Macau. DESIGN A multicentre randomized controlled trial following the SPIRIT checklist. METHODS Participants in the study will be recruited from Australia and Greater China and will be randomly assigned to the intervention group or the usual care group. Interventions will include self-learning of the iSupport program, virtual peer support and nurse program facilitator support for 6 months. Primary outcome measures will be the 12-Item Short-Form Health Survey. Secondary outcome measures will include: Revised Scale for Caregiving Self-efficacy; Quality of Social Support Scale; Revised Memory and Behaviour Problem Checklist; the Quality of Life in Alzheimer's Disease-Proxy; usages of care services; and cost-effectiveness of the intervention. Outcomes will be measured at baseline, 6 months and 9 months from the baseline. Caregivers' experiences of the peer support will be explored. This project was funded by the National Foundation for Australia-China Relations, Australian Government (Project ID: NFACR216). The total amount is $440,000 Australian dollars (or £ 236,231). DISCUSSION Approximately, 20% of people living with dementia in the world live in Australia and Greater China. Older Chinese are usually cared for by family caregivers at home due to the influence of Confucianism. However, free and online psychoeducation programs for this large cohort of caregivers are not available or accessible. The World Health Organization iSupport for Dementia is an evidence-based online psychoeducation program for caregivers. Implementing a culturally adapted Chinese iSupport program will address this gap in supporting caregivers. IMPACT This study will provide research evidence on effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of an online psychoeducation program for caregivers. Findings will inform policy and practice development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lily Dongxia Xiao
- College of Nursing and Health Sciences, Flinders University, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Jing Wang
- College of Nursing and Health Sciences, Flinders University, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia.,Faculty of Nursing, Health Science Center, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Julie Ratcliffe
- Health Economics, Matthew Flinders Professor of Health Economics, College of Nursing and Health Sciences, Flinders University, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Shahid Ullah
- College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Henry Brodaty
- Centre for Healthy Brain Ageing (CHeBA), School of Psychiatry, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Bianca Brijnath
- National Ageing Research Institute (NARI), Parkville, Victoria, Australia.,School of Allied Health, Curtin University, Bentley, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Hui-Chen Rita Chang
- School of Nursing, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Huali Wang
- Institute of Mental Health, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Chia-Chi Chang
- School of Gerontology Health Management, College of Nursing, and Dean of College of Interdisciplinary Studies, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Timothy Kwok
- Department of Medicine & Therapeutics and School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Mingxia Zhu
- Kiang Wu Nursing College of Macau, Macao, Hong Kong
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15
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Sun Y, Ji M, Leng M, Li X, Zhang X, Wang Z. Comparative efficacy of 11 non-pharmacological interventions on depression, anxiety, quality of life, and caregiver burden for informal caregivers of people with dementia: A systematic review and network meta-analysis. Int J Nurs Stud 2022; 129:104204. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijnurstu.2022.104204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2021] [Revised: 02/06/2022] [Accepted: 02/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
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16
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Hansen NH, Bjerrekær L, Pallesen KJ, Juul L, Fjorback LO. The effect of mental health interventions on psychological distress for informal caregivers of people with mental illness: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Front Psychiatry 2022; 13:949066. [PMID: 36276315 PMCID: PMC9583525 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.949066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2022] [Accepted: 08/25/2022] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Informal caregivers of people with a mental illness are at increased risk of developing depression, anxiety, and stress, so preventive interventions are needed. METHOD The review was reported in PROSPERO (ID: CRD42018094454). The PsycINFO, PubMed, and Scopus databases were searched in June 2019. The Cochrane Risk of Bias and Jadad scale scores were used to assess study quality. Inclusion criteria were: RCTs of informal caregiver interventions regardless of the care receiver's mental illness and intervention modality. Interventions should be compared to a waitlist, treatment as usual or active control, taught in real-time by a mental health professional, include an outcome measure on psychological distress, and published in a peer-reviewed journal article in English. RCTs were excluded if the intervention was given in dyads (caregiver + care receiver), limited to the provision of respite care where the patient sample included a mix of both physical and psychological illnesses, unpublished, not peer-reviewed, study protocols, or dissertations. RESULTS A total of 2,148 studies were identified; of these, 44 RCT studies met the inclusion criteria, and 31 had sufficient data to conduct a meta-analysis including subgroup analysis (N = 1,899). The systematic review showed that thirty-one out of the 44 RCTs had an effect of the intervention on decreasing psychological distress. The results of the meta-analysis, which included informal caregiver interventions, compared to waitlist, treatment as usual, or active control, regardless of care-receiver mental illness or intervention modality showed a small effect of -0.32 (95% CI -0.53 to -0.11). The heterogeneity of the included studies was high (I 2 = 78). The subgroup analysis included manualized interventions lasting at least 8 weeks and the subgroup analysis that included an active control showed a small effect and low heterogeneity. Lack of active control and long-term follow-up is a limitation of most of the studies. CONCLUSION The evidence supports that several interventions improve the mental health of caregivers. Manualized interventions ≥ 8 weeks with active participation are most effective. Future RCTs should improve methodology, and research should investigate which intervention modality is most effective for what kind of caregiver. Future research should clearly specify what the included intervention components are, use longer follow-up times, and conduct mediational analyses to better understand what mechanisms create the effect of an intervention. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION Identifier: CRD42018094454.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nanja Holland Hansen
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Danish Center for Mindfulness, University of Aarhus, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Lasse Bjerrekær
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Danish Center for Mindfulness, University of Aarhus, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Karen Johanne Pallesen
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Danish Center for Mindfulness, University of Aarhus, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Lise Juul
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Danish Center for Mindfulness, University of Aarhus, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Lone Overby Fjorback
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Danish Center for Mindfulness, University of Aarhus, Aarhus, Denmark
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17
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Wang Y, Xiao LD, Yu Y, Huang R, You H, Liu M. An individualized telephone-based care support program for rural family caregivers of people with dementia: study protocol for a cluster randomized controlled trial. BMC Geriatr 2021; 21:629. [PMID: 34736394 PMCID: PMC8567341 DOI: 10.1186/s12877-021-02575-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2021] [Accepted: 10/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background There are about 9.5 million people with dementia in China. Up to 99% of them are cared for by their family caregivers. Family caregivers are confronted with considerable difficulties and challenges while providing care. They often experience high levels of emotional, physical, financial, and social burdens. Caregivers in rural areas experience an even higher level of burden compared to their counterparts in urban areas due to fewer health resources for dementia care. However, so far, no intervention study has been conducted to support family caregivers in rural areas of China. The aim of this proposed study is to adapt and evaluate an evidence-based and culturally-tailored individualized telephone-based care support (ITBCS) program for family caregivers of people with dementia in rural China. Methods A cluster randomized controlled trial (RCT) will be conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of the ITBCS compared with usual care for Chinese rural family caregivers of people with dementia. A total sample of 168 rural family caregivers will be recruited. The intervention components consist of a 3-month intensive telephone-based care support intervention followed by telephone-based follow-up consultations for 6 months. The control group will receive usual care services available for them. Outcome measures include carers’ subjective burden, depressive symptoms, health-related quality of life, social support, caregiving self-efficacy, and care recipients’ difficult behaviours and competence in activities of daily living at 3, 9 and 15 months after baseline. The potential cost-effectiveness of the ITBCS compared with usual care will be assessed as well. Discussion If effective, the ITBCS program can be adapted and used in rural areas of China as a blueprint to improve the quality of home-based care for people with dementia. Findings from the present study are significant for developing evidence-based dementia care policy in rural China. Trial registration Chinese Clinical Trial Registry, ChiCTR2000038821, Registered 4 April 2020, http://www.chictr.org.cn/showprojen.aspx?proj=62268.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yao Wang
- Xiang Ya School of Nursing, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan Province, China.
| | - Lily Dongxia Xiao
- College of Nursing and Health Sciences, Flinders University, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Yu Yu
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Rong Huang
- Xiang Ya School of Nursing, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan Province, China
| | - Hui You
- Xiang Ya School of Nursing, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan Province, China
| | - Minhui Liu
- Xiang Ya School of Nursing, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan Province, China
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18
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Meng X, Su J, Li H, Ma D, Zhao Y, Li Y, Zhang X, Li Z, Sun J. Effectiveness of caregiver non-pharmacological interventions for behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia: An updated meta-analysis. Ageing Res Rev 2021; 71:101448. [PMID: 34416379 DOI: 10.1016/j.arr.2021.101448] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2020] [Revised: 07/17/2021] [Accepted: 08/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD) have significant negative effects on the health of both patients with dementia and their caregivers. However, the reported effectiveness of non-pharmacological interventions targeting caregivers of patients with dementia for BPSD is inconsistent. METHODS We systematically searched the databases PubMed, PsycINFO, CINAHL, Embase, Cochrane Library and four Chinese databases from 2010 through April 2021. The Standardised mean difference (SMD) was calculated using random-effects models. Risk of bias in individual studies was assessed using Cochrane Collaboration's tool, and the certainty of evidence was assessed using the five GRADE criteria. RESULTS Thirty-one randomised controlled trials (RCTs) involving 3501 dyads were included. The meta-analysis indicated that non-pharmacological interventions showed small but significant effects on both BPSD in patients with dementia (SMD = -0.14; 95% CI, -0.22 to -0.06; P = 0.001) and caregiver reactions to BPSD (SMD = -0.16; 95% CI, -0.25 to -0.07; P = 0.001). The effect sizes of BPSD in patients at follow-up (SMD = -0.24; 95% CI, -0.38 to -0.09; P = 0.002) were larger than those at post-test. Tailored interventions were associated with more substantial reductions in BPSD in patients (SMD = -0.24; 95% CI, -0.37 to -0.11; P < 0.001) than standardised interventions (SMD = -0.07; 95% CI, -0.18 to 0.04; P = 0.218). CONCLUSIONS Non-pharmacological interventions targeting caregivers have the potential to reduce BPSD in patients with dementia and improve caregiver negative reactions to BPSD. Moreover, tailored interventions seemed to be more effective in reducing BPSD, and more significant improvements in BPSD may be observed in long-term follow-up.
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Kokorelias KM, Naglie G, Gignac MA, Rittenberg N, Cameron JI. A qualitative exploration of how gender and relationship shape family caregivers' experiences across the Alzheimer's disease trajectory. DEMENTIA 2021; 20:2851-2866. [PMID: 33998323 PMCID: PMC8678646 DOI: 10.1177/14713012211019502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Caregiving experiences are not static. They change across the disease trajectory and care continuum. However, it is not clear how caregiver gender or relationship type is related to evolving caregiver experiences over time. This qualitative study informed by constructivist grounded theory and framework analysis explored the experiences over time of men and women who were adult children and spousal caregivers to persons with Alzheimer's disease. Forty spousal (10 husbands and 10 wives) and adult children (10 sons and 10 daughters) caregivers to persons with Alzheimer's disease were interviewed using a semi-structured interview guide. Our findings suggest the experiences of caregiving, examined through a gender and relationship type lens, are complex and variable. The caregiving experience was not related to gender or relationship type alone, but often to a combination of the two. For instance, spousal caregivers did not immediately accept the diagnosis, with wives being more optimistic than husbands about a slow progression of the disease. Adult children caregivers were concerned about the ways the caregiving role would impact their personal and career obligations and sought ways to mitigate the changes to their daily lives. Sons and husband caregivers largely utilized home and community health services to assist with personal care tasks, whereas daughters and wives utilized the same services to allow them to complete other caregiving tasks (e.g., housekeeping). Recognition of the complex inter-relationships among gender and relationship type on caregiving experiences supports the need for family-centered interventions. This article also extends sex and gender research as it highlights that an in-depth understanding of the caregiving experience cannot be understood by gender alone and relationship type must also be considered.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Gary Naglie
- Department of Medicine and Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada; Department of Medicine, Rotman Research Institute, 7942Baycrest Health Sciences, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Monique Am Gignac
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, 274071University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada; 7966Institute for Work and Health, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Nira Rittenberg
- Department of Occupational Therapy and Occupational Sciences, 7938The Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Jill I Cameron
- Department of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, The Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto; Rehabilitation Sciences Institute, 12366University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
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20
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Alnaim L, Altuwaym RA, Aldehan SM, Alquraishi NM. Assessment of knowledge among caregivers of diabetic patients in insulin dosage regimen and administration. Saudi Pharm J 2021; 29:1137-1142. [PMID: 34703367 PMCID: PMC8523329 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsps.2021.08.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2021] [Accepted: 08/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Inadequate production of Insulin can lead to a complex metabolic disorder named Diabetes Mellitus that is characterized by hyperglycaemia. Diabetes is leading metabolic disease that causes major disability and increased death-rate world-wide. Diabetes can cause neuropathy, blindness, ischaemic heart disease, peripheral vascular disease, increased risk of stroke, and renal diseases. Since the management of diabetes mellitus is complex, the reliance of some patients on their caregivers has increased. In this study, a caregiver is a family member or a paid helper who is willing to provide long-term assistance to a child, an older adult, or a person with a disability. AIM The knowledge of caregivers about insulin doses (administration and adjustment) is determined and to study the correlation between the demographic data (age, gender, and marital status) and the knowledge of caregivers. METHODOLOGY This is a cross sectional type of descriptive study. A questionnaire was built based on literature review and was reviewed and validated by 17 arbitrators and modified accordingly. A pilot study was performed on 5 people of the targeted population to assess the feasibility, duration, and clarity of the data collection tool. The questionnaire was distributed online and had some extra questions to exclude non-relevant responses. RESULTS A total of 819 participants filled the online questionnaire. Out of these, 83.6% were female and 16.4% were male. The good knowledge was significantly associated with caregivers who had patients diagnosed with diabetes since less than 6 months when compared with others. CONCLUSION Caregivers who reported that they do not live with the healthcare receiver had less knowledge compared with those they live, and it is statically significant association. 55% were satisfied with their level of knowledge about insulin doses management. This study indicates who lives with patient has caregiver's knowledge on inulin dosages administration 1.766 times from who don't have.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lamya Alnaim
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Saudi Arabia
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21
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Chester H, Beresford R, Clarkson P, Entwistle C, Gillan V, Hughes J, Orrell M, Pitts R, Russell I, Symonds E, Challis D. The Dementia Early Stage Cognitive Aids New Trial (DESCANT) intervention: A goal attainment scaling approach to promote self-management. Int J Geriatr Psychiatry 2021; 36:784-793. [PMID: 33271639 DOI: 10.1002/gps.5479] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2020] [Revised: 11/16/2020] [Accepted: 11/29/2020] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study investigated goals identified by people with dementia and their carers to promote the self-management of symptoms and abilities; measured achievement using goal attainment scaling (GAS); and explored the reflections of Dementia Support Practitioners (DSPs) facilitating it. METHODS AND DESIGN Within this pragmatic randomised trial, DSPs gave memory aids, training and support to people with mild to moderate dementia and their carers at home. Data were collected across seven NHS Trusts in England and Wales (2016-2018) and abstracted from intervention records and semi-structured interviews with DSPs delivering the intervention, supplemented by a subset of the trial dataset. Measures were created to permit quantification and descriptive analysis and interview data thematically analysed. A GAS measure for this intervention in this client group was derived. RESULTS Engagement was high across the 117 participants and 293 goals were identified. These reflected individual circumstances and needs and enabled classification and assessment of their attainment. Seventeen goal types were identified across six domains: self-care, household tasks, daily occupation, orientation, communication, and well-being and safety. On average participants achieved nominally significant improvement regarding the specified goals of 1.4 with standard deviation of 0.6. Five interviews suggested that DSPs' experiences of goal setting were also positive. CONCLUSIONS GAS is useful for assessing psychosocial interventions for people with early-stage dementia. It has a utility in identifying goals, promoting self-management and providing a personalised outcome measure. There is a strong case for exploring whether these clear benefits translate to other interventions in other populations in other places.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helen Chester
- School of Medicine, Institute of Mental Health, The University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Rebecca Beresford
- Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, School of Health Sciences, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Paul Clarkson
- Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, School of Health Sciences, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Charlotte Entwistle
- Department of Psychology, Fylde College, Lancaster University, Lancaster, UK
| | - Vincent Gillan
- Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, Formerly of School of Health Sciences, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Jane Hughes
- School of Medicine, Institute of Mental Health, The University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Martin Orrell
- School of Medicine, Institute of Mental Health, The University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Rosa Pitts
- Division of Health Research, Faculty of Health and Medicine, Lancaster University, Lancaster, UK
| | - Ian Russell
- Swansea Trials Unit, Medical School, Swansea University, Swansea, Wales, UK
| | - Eileen Symonds
- School of Medicine, Institute of Mental Health, The University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - David Challis
- School of Medicine, Institute of Mental Health, The University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
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Wiegelmann H, Speller S, Verhaert LM, Schirra-Weirich L, Wolf-Ostermann K. Psychosocial interventions to support the mental health of informal caregivers of persons living with dementia - a systematic literature review. BMC Geriatr 2021; 21:94. [PMID: 33526012 PMCID: PMC7849618 DOI: 10.1186/s12877-021-02020-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2020] [Accepted: 01/11/2021] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Informal caregivers of persons living with dementia have an increased risk of adverse mental health effects. It is therefore important to systematically summarize published literature in order to find out which mental health interventions generate effective support for informal caregivers of persons living with dementia. The objective of this study is to conduct a systematic review of intervention content, effectiveness and subgroup differentiation of mental health interventions for informal caregivers of persons with dementia living at home. Method We searched four electronic databases (PubMed, PsychINFO, Scopus and CINAHL) and included only methodically high-quality randomized controlled trials (RCTs), published in English or German language between 2009 and 2018. The intervention programmes focused on mental health of family caregivers. A narrative synthesis of the included studies is given. Results Forty-eight publications relating to 46 intervention programmes met the inclusion criteria. Burden, depression and quality of life (QoL) are the predominant parameters that were investigated. Twenty-five of forty-six interventions (54.3%) show positive effects on at least one of the outcomes examined. Most often, positive effects are reported for the outcome subjective burden (46.2%). Only six studies explicitly target on a certain subgroup of informal dementia caregivers (13%), whereas all other interventions (87%) target the group as a whole without differentiation. Conclusion The most beneficial results were found for cognitive behavioural approaches, especially concerning the reduction of depressive symptoms. Besides this, leisure and physical activity interventions show some good results in reducing subjective caregiver burden. In order to improve effectiveness, research and practice may focus on developing more targeted interventions for special dementia informal caregiver subgroups. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12877-021-02020-4.
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Affiliation(s)
- Henrik Wiegelmann
- Institute for Public Health and Nursing Research, Health Sciences Bremen, University of Bremen, Grazer Straße 4, 28359, Bremen, Germany.
| | - Sarah Speller
- Institute for Public Health and Nursing Research, Health Sciences Bremen, University of Bremen, Grazer Straße 4, 28359, Bremen, Germany
| | - Lisa-Marie Verhaert
- Department of Social Services, Centre for Participation Research, Catholic University of Applied Sciences of North Rhine-Westphalia, Robert-Schuman-Straße 25, 52066, Aachen, Germany
| | - Liane Schirra-Weirich
- Department of Social Services, Centre for Participation Research, Catholic University of Applied Sciences of North Rhine-Westphalia, Robert-Schuman-Straße 25, 52066, Aachen, Germany
| | - Karin Wolf-Ostermann
- Institute for Public Health and Nursing Research, Health Sciences Bremen, University of Bremen, Grazer Straße 4, 28359, Bremen, Germany
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23
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Hermes-Pereira A, Ferreira P, Santos MCFBD, Fagundes PA, Gonçalves APB, Rados DV, Castilhos RM, Schilling LP, Chaves MLF, Umpierre R, Kochhann R, Schumacher-Schuh AF. Protocol for a randomized clinical trial: telephone-based psychoeducation and support for female informal caregivers of patients with dementia. GERIATRICS, GERONTOLOGY AND AGING 2021. [DOI: 10.53886/gga.e0210045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: The burden felt by informal caregivers of patients with dementia is a source of physical, emotional, and financial problems. Face-to-face interventions for caregivers have accessibility limitations that may prevent them from receiving adequate care. Telehealth tools can be a solution to this problem. We will compare a telephone psychoeducational and support intervention protocol to usual care for informal female caregivers of patients with dementia treated at specialized outpatient clinics. METHODS: In this single-blind randomized clinical trial, the intervention group will receive one weekly call for 8 weeks that addresses issues such as disease education, communication with the patient, and problematic behaviors. The control group will receive printed material on problematic behaviors in dementia. The primary outcome will be the difference in caregiver burden between baseline and 8 weeks, which will be assessed by blinded investigators through the Zarit Burden Interview scale. Caregiver burden at 16 weeks after baseline, depression, anxiety, and quality of life at 8 and 16 weeks are secondary outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: We expect the intervention to reduce caregiver burden. These results could lead to public health programs for improving dementia care in lower-middle-income countries. Ethics and dissemination: This trial was approved by an independent ethics committee. The results will be published in an international peer-reviewed medical journal. Trial registration number: NCT03260608.
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Brewster GS, Epps F, Dye CE, Hepburn K, Higgins MK, Parker ML. The Effect of the " Great Village" on Psychological Outcomes, Burden, and Mastery in African American Caregivers of Persons Living With Dementia. J Appl Gerontol 2020; 39:1059-1068. [PMID: 31535922 PMCID: PMC7080571 DOI: 10.1177/0733464819874574] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The "Great Village," a cultural adaptation of a psychoeducation intervention the "Savvy Caregiver" for African American caregivers of persons living with dementia (PLwD), aims to develop caregivers' skills and improve the quality of the lives of both the PLwD and their caregivers. The goal of this study was to determine the effectiveness of the Great Village on depressive symptoms, anxiety, burden, and mastery in African American caregivers (N = 142). A three-arm randomized control trial (Great Village, Great Village + exercise, and attention control) was conducted over a period of 6 months. Caregivers who received either Great Village or Great Village + exercise reported significant reduction in depressive symptoms and improvement in mastery. Caregivers who received only Great Village reported a reduction in anxiety. Receiving no intervention worsened caregiver burden. African American caregivers should receive culturally tailored interventions to support their health and well-being and improve their competence in caregiving.
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Affiliation(s)
- Glenna S. Brewster
- Emory University, Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Fayron Epps
- Georgia State University, Byrdine F. Lewis College of Nursing & Health Professions, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Clinton E. Dye
- Emory University, Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Kenneth Hepburn
- Emory University, Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Melinda K. Higgins
- Emory University, Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing, Atlanta, GA, USA
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Patnode CD, Perdue LA, Rossom RC, Rushkin MC, Redmond N, Thomas RG, Lin JS. Screening for Cognitive Impairment in Older Adults: Updated Evidence Report and Systematic Review for the US Preventive Services Task Force. JAMA 2020; 323:764-785. [PMID: 32096857 DOI: 10.1001/jama.2019.22258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 138] [Impact Index Per Article: 34.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
IMPORTANCE Early identification of cognitive impairment may improve patient and caregiver health outcomes. OBJECTIVE To systematically review the test accuracy of cognitive screening instruments and benefits and harms of interventions to treat cognitive impairment in older adults (≥65 years) to inform the US Preventive Services Task Force. DATA SOURCES MEDLINE, PubMed, PsycINFO, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials through January 2019, with literature surveillance through November 22, 2019. STUDY SELECTION Fair- to good-quality English-language studies of cognitive impairment screening instruments, and pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic treatments aimed at persons with mild cognitive impairment (MCI), mild to moderate dementia, or their caregivers. DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS Independent critical appraisal and data abstraction; random-effects meta-analyses and qualitative synthesis. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES Sensitivity, specificity; patient, caregiver, and clinician decision-making; patient function, quality of life, and neuropsychiatric symptoms; caregiver burden and well-being. RESULTS The review included 287 studies with more than 280 000 older adults. One randomized clinical trial (RCT) (n = 4005) examined the direct effect of screening for cognitive impairment on patient outcomes, including potential harms, finding no significant differences in health-related quality of life at 12 months (effect size, 0.009 [95% CI, -0.063 to 0.080]). Fifty-nine studies (n = 38 531) addressed the accuracy of 49 screening instruments to detect cognitive impairment. The Mini-Mental State Examination was the most-studied instrument, with a pooled sensitivity of 0.89 (95% CI, 0.85 to 0.92) and specificity of 0.89 (95% CI, 0.85 to 0.93) to detect dementia using a cutoff of 23 or less or 24 or less (15 studies, n = 12 796). Two hundred twenty-four RCTs and 3 observational studies including more than 240 000 patients or caregivers addressed the treatment of MCI or mild to moderate dementia. None of the treatment trials were linked with a screening program; in all cases, participants were persons with known cognitive impairment. Medications approved to treat Alzheimer disease (donepezil, galantamine, rivastigmine, and memantine) improved scores on the ADAS-Cog 11 by 1 to 2.5 points over 3 months to 3 years. Psychoeducation interventions for caregivers resulted in a small benefit for caregiver burden (standardized mean difference, -0.24 [95% CI, -0.36 to -0.13) over 3 to 12 months. Intervention benefits were small and of uncertain clinical importance. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE Screening instruments can adequately detect cognitive impairment. There is no empirical evidence, however, that screening for cognitive impairment improves patient or caregiver outcomes or causes harm. It remains unclear whether interventions for patients or caregivers provide clinically important benefits for older adults with earlier detected cognitive impairment or their caregivers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carrie D Patnode
- Kaiser Permanente Evidence-based Practice Center, Center for Health Research, Kaiser Permanente, Portland, Oregon
| | - Leslie A Perdue
- Kaiser Permanente Evidence-based Practice Center, Center for Health Research, Kaiser Permanente, Portland, Oregon
| | | | - Megan C Rushkin
- Kaiser Permanente Evidence-based Practice Center, Center for Health Research, Kaiser Permanente, Portland, Oregon
| | - Nadia Redmond
- Kaiser Permanente Evidence-based Practice Center, Center for Health Research, Kaiser Permanente, Portland, Oregon
| | - Rachel G Thomas
- Kaiser Permanente Evidence-based Practice Center, Center for Health Research, Kaiser Permanente, Portland, Oregon
| | - Jennifer S Lin
- Kaiser Permanente Evidence-based Practice Center, Center for Health Research, Kaiser Permanente, Portland, Oregon
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Lee M, Ryoo JH, Crowder J, Byon HD, Wiiliams IC. A systematic review and meta-analysis on effective interventions for health-related quality of life among caregivers of people with dementia. J Adv Nurs 2019; 76:475-489. [PMID: 31713880 DOI: 10.1111/jan.14262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2019] [Revised: 10/04/2019] [Accepted: 11/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
AIMS (a) To evaluate the effectiveness of different types of psychosocial interventions on the health-related quality of life among caregivers of individuals with dementia and (b) To present an overview and assessment of the quality of the most recent intervention studies. DESIGN A systematic review and meta-analysis. DATA SOURCES MEDLINE, CINAHL, PsycINFO and Cochrane Library electronic databases were searched to find randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published from 2005 - 2017. Using a Boolean search, the key words 'caregivers', 'dementia' and 'quality of life' were combined. The search was completed in January 2018. REVIEW METHODS A total of 26 RCTs were included. Intervention details such as content, mode of delivery and duration were reviewed, and each study's risk of bias was assessed. The effectiveness of each type of intervention was calculated using the Hedges G and a random-effects model. RESULTS Multicomponent interventions, cognitive behavioural therapy and complementary alternative medicine therapy showed significant effects on improving caregiver's health-related quality of life. Psychoeducation, social support, case management and cognitive rehabilitation therapy failed to produce significant effects. CONCLUSION Via this evidence-based systematic review, multicomponent interventions addressing a variety of caregiver needs can be an effective method for enhancing caregiver health-related quality of life. Further large number of studies are needed to verify this study results. IMPACT The findings of this study inform clinicians which interventions are effective in improving caregivers' health-related quality of life. Defining a standardized protocol for multicomponent interventions will be helpful for clinicians to apply the intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mijung Lee
- Korea Armed Forces Nursing Academy, Daejeon, Korea
| | - Ji Hoon Ryoo
- Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Sunset Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Jolie Crowder
- University of Virginia School of Nursing, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Ha Do Byon
- University of Virginia School of Nursing, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Ishan C Wiiliams
- University of Virginia School of Nursing, Charlottesville, VA, USA
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Williams F, Moghaddam N, Ramsden S, De Boos D. Interventions for reducing levels of burden amongst informal carers of persons with dementia in the community. A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials. Aging Ment Health 2019; 23:1629-1642. [PMID: 30450915 DOI: 10.1080/13607863.2018.1515886] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Objectives: Caregiver burden can lead to increased stress, depression and health difficulties for caregivers and care-recipients. This systematic review aimed to examine the published evidence, for interventions designed to reduce levels of carer burden, in those caring for a person with dementia. Methods: Three databases were searched (Medline, PsycINFO and CINAHL) for studies reporting on randomised controlled trials of non-pharmacological interventions for dementia-related caregiver burden. Data quality checks were completed for included papers and meta-analysis was performed to estimate the efficacy of individual interventions and different categories of non-pharmacological intervention. Results: Thirty studies were included in the analysis. Seven studies found a significant reduction in carer burden and a pooled effect found that intervening was more effective than treatment as usual (SMD = -0.18, CI = -0.30, -0.05). This result was small, but significant (p = 0.005). Multi-component interventions are more effective than other categories. High heterogeneity means that results should be interpreted with caution. Conclusions: Interventions that significantly reduced levels of burden should be replicated on a larger scale. The relative effectiveness of interventions targeting cognitive appraisals and coping styles suggests that future interventions might be informed by models theorising the role of these processes in carer burden.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Nima Moghaddam
- Trent DClinPsy Programme, University of Nottingham , Nottingham , UK
| | - Sarah Ramsden
- Trent DClinPsy Programme, University of Nottingham , Nottingham , UK
| | - Danielle De Boos
- Trent DClinPsy Programme, University of Nottingham , Nottingham , UK
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Shepherd-Banigan M, Kaufman BG, Decosimo K, Dadolf J, Boucher NA, Mahanna EP, Bruening R, Sullivan C, Wang V, Hastings SN, Allen KD, Sperber N, Coffman CJ, Van Houtven CH. Adaptation and Implementation of a Family Caregiver Skills Training Program: From Single Site RCT to Multisite Pragmatic Intervention. J Nurs Scholarsh 2019; 52:23-33. [PMID: 31497935 DOI: 10.1111/jnu.12511] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/17/2019] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE We describe an approach to rapidly adapt and implement an education and skills improvement intervention to address the needs of family caregivers of functionally impaired veterans-Helping Invested Families Improve Veterans' Experience Study (HI-FIVES). DESIGN Prior to implementation in eight sites, a multidisciplinary study team made systematic adaptations to the curriculum content and delivery process using input from the original randomized controlled trial (RCT); a stakeholder advisory board comprised of national experts in caregiver education, nursing, and implementation; and a veteran/caregiver engagement panel. To address site-specific implementation barriers in diverse settings, we applied the Replicating Effective Programs implementation framework. FINDINGS Adaptations to HI-FIVES content and delivery included identifying core/noncore curriculum components, reducing instruction time, and simplifying caregiver recruitment for clinical settings. To enhance curriculum flexibility and potential uptake, site personnel were able to choose which staff would deliver the intervention and whether to offer class sessions in person or remotely. Curriculum materials were standardized and packaged to reduce the time required for implementation and to promote fidelity to the intervention. CONCLUSIONS The emphasis on flexible intervention delivery and standardized materials has been identified as strengths of the adaptation process. Two key challenges have been identifying feasible impact measures and reaching eligible caregivers for intervention recruitment. CLINICAL RELEVANCE This systematic implementation process can be used to rapidly adapt an intervention to diverse clinical sites and contexts. Nursing professionals play a significant role in educating and supporting caregivers and care recipients and can take a leading role to implement interventions that address skills and unmet needs for caregivers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megan Shepherd-Banigan
- Research Health Scientist, Durham VA Health Care System, and Assistant Professor, Department of Population Health Sciences, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Brystana G Kaufman
- Postdoctoral Research Fellow, Margolis Center for Health Policy, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Kasey Decosimo
- Research Health Scientist Specialist, Durham VA Health Care System, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Joshua Dadolf
- Clinical Social Worker/Intervention Specialist, Durham VA Health Care System, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Nathan A Boucher
- Research Health Scientist, Durham VA Health Care System, and Assistant Research Professor, Sanford School of Public Policy, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA.,Core Faculty, Margolis Center for Health Policy, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Elizabeth P Mahanna
- Research Health Scientist Specialist, Durham VA Health Care System, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Rebecca Bruening
- Research Health Scientist Specialist, Durham VA Health Care System, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Caitlin Sullivan
- Research Health Scientist Specialist, Durham VA Health Care System, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Virginia Wang
- Research Health Scientist, Durham VA Health Care System, and Associate Professor, Department of Population Health Sciences, Duke University, and Associate Professor, Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - S Nicole Hastings
- Research Health Scientist, Durham VA Health Care System, and Associate Professor, Division of Geriatrics, Department of Medicine, Duke University, and Associate Professor, Department of Population Health Sciences, Duke University, and Senior Fellow, Center for the Study of Aging, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Kelli D Allen
- Research Health Scientist, Durham VA Health Care System, Durham, NC, and Professor, Division of Rheumatology, Allergy, and Immunology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Nina Sperber
- Research Health Scientist, Durham VA Health Care System, and Assistant Professor, Department of Population Health Sciences, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Cynthia J Coffman
- Research Health Scientist, Durham VA Health Care System, and Associate Professor, Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Courtney H Van Houtven
- Core Faculty, Margolis Center for Health Policy, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA.,Research Health Scientist, Durham VA Health Care System, and Professor, Department of Population Health Sciences, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
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Rastgardani T, Armstrong MJ, Marras C, Gagliardi AR. Improving patient-centred care for persons with Parkinson's: Qualitative interviews with care partners about their engagement in discussions of "off" periods. Health Expect 2019; 22:555-564. [PMID: 30977262 PMCID: PMC6543149 DOI: 10.1111/hex.12884] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2018] [Revised: 03/05/2019] [Accepted: 03/09/2019] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study explored how care partners (CPs) of persons with Parkinson's (PwP) are engaged in discussions of "off" symptoms. METHODS During qualitative interviews, CPs of PwP sampled by convenience through the Michael J Fox Foundation online clinical trial matching service were asked to describe their familiarity with "off" symptoms, how "off" symptoms were discussed with clinicians, and the impact of "off" symptoms on them. Data were analysed using constant comparative technique by all members of the research team. RESULTS A total of 20 CPs were interviewed. Compared with PwP, they were more likely to describe "off" symptoms to clinicians. CPs identified important aspects of patient-centred care for PD: establishing a therapeutic relationship, soliciting and actively listening to information about symptoms, and providing self-management support to both PwP and CPs. CPs said that clinicians did not always engage CPs, ask about "off" symptoms or provide self-management guidance, limiting their ability to function as caregivers. CONCLUSION By not engaging and educating CPs, "off" symptoms may not be identified or addressed, leading to suboptimal medical management and quality of life for PwP. These findings must be confirmed on a broader scale through ongoing research but suggest the potential need for interventions targeted at clinicians and at CPs to promote patient-centred care for PwP.
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Corry M, Neenan K, Brabyn S, Sheaf G, Smith V. Telephone interventions, delivered by healthcare professionals, for providing education and psychosocial support for informal caregivers of adults with diagnosed illnesses. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2019; 5:CD012533. [PMID: 31087641 PMCID: PMC6516056 DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd012533.pub2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Maintaining care for ill persons in the community is heavily dependent on support from unpaid caregivers. Many caregivers, however, find themselves in a caring role for which they are ill prepared and may require professional support. The telephone is an easily accessible method of providing support irrespective of geographical location. OBJECTIVES The objective of this review was to evaluate the effectiveness of telephone support interventions, delivered by healthcare professionals, when compared to usual care or non-telephone-based support interventions for providing education and psychosocial support for informal caregivers of people with acute and chronic diagnosed illnesses, and to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of telephone interventions in this population. SEARCH METHODS We searched the following databases from inception to 16 November 2018: the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL); MEDLINE; Embase; PsycINFO; ProQuest Dissertations and Theses A&I; and CINAHL Complete. We also searched 11 caregiver-specific websites, three conference links, and two clinical trial registries. SELECTION CRITERIA We included randomised controlled trials (RCTs) (including cluster-RCTs) and quasi-RCTs. We excluded cross-over trials because of the high risk of carry-over effects from one intervention to another. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS Two authors independently screened citations against the review's inclusion criteria, extracted data, and assessed the included studies using the Cochrane 'Risk of bias' tool. The review's prespecified primary (quality of life and burden) and secondary outcomes (skill acquisition, psychological health, knowledge, health status and well-being, family functioning, satisfaction, and economic outcomes), where reported, were assessed at the end of intervention delivery and at short-term (≤ 3 months), medium-term (> 3 to ≤ 6 months) and longer-term time points (> 6 to 12 months) following the intervention. Where possible, meta-analyses were conducted, otherwise results were reported narratively. MAIN RESULTS We included 21 randomised studies involving 1,690 caregivers; 19 studies compared telephone support interventions and usual care, of which 18 contributed data to the analyses. Two studies compared telephone and non-telephone professional support interventions. Caregiver ages ranged from 19 years to 87 years across studies. The majority of participants were female (> 70.53%), with two trials including females only. Most caregivers were family members, educated beyond secondary or high school level or had the equivalent in years of education. All caregivers were based in the community. Overall risk of bias was high for most studies.The results demonstrated that there is probably little or no difference between telephone support interventions and usual care for the primary outcome of quality of life at the end of intervention (SMD -0.02, 95% CI -0.24 to 0.19, 4 studies, 364 caregivers) (moderate-certainty evidence) or burden at the end of intervention (SMD -0.11, 95% CI -0.30 to 0.07, 9 studies, 788 caregivers) (low-certainty evidence). For one study where quality of life at the end of intervention was reported narratively, the findings indicated that a telephone support intervention may result in slightly higher quality of life, compared with usual care. Two further studies on caregiver burden were reported narratively; one reported that telephone support interventions may decrease burden, the other reported no change in the intervention group, compared with usual care.We are uncertain about the effects of telephone support interventions on caregiver depression at the end of intervention (SMD -0.37, 95% CI -0.70 to -0.05, 9 studies, 792 caregivers) due to very low-certainty evidence for this outcome. Depression was reported narratively for three studies. One reported that the intervention may reduce caregiver depression at the end of intervention, but this effect was not sustained at short-term follow-up. The other two studies reported there may be little or no difference between telephone support and usual care for depression at the end of intervention. Six studies measured satisfaction with the intervention but did not report comparative data. All six reported high satisfaction scores with the intervention. No adverse events, including suicide or suicide ideation, were measured or reported by any of the included studies.Our analysis indicated that caregiver anxiety may be slightly reduced (MD -6.0, 95% CI -11.68 to -0.32, 1 study, 61 caregivers) and preparedness to care slightly improved (SMD 0.37, 95% CI 0.09 to 0.64, 2 studies, 208 caregivers) at the end of intervention, following telephone-only support interventions compared to usual care. Findings indicated there may be little or no difference between telephone support interventions and usual care for all of the following outcomes at the end of intervention: problem-solving, social activity, caregiver competence, coping, stress, knowledge, physical health, self-efficacy, family functioning, and satisfaction with supports (practical or social). There may also be little or no effect of telephone support interventions for quality of life and burden at short-term follow-up or for burden and depression at medium-term follow-up.Litttle or no difference was found between groups for any of the reported outcomes in studies comparing telephone and non-telephone professional support interventions. We are uncertain as to the effects of telephone support interventions compared to non-telephone support interventions for caregiver burden and depression at the end of intervention. No study reported on quality of life or satisfaction with the intervention and no adverse events were reported or noted in the two studies reporting on this comparison. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS Although our review indicated slight benefit may exist for telephone support interventions on some outcomes (e.g. anxiety and preparedness to care at the end of intervention), for most outcomes, including the primary outcomes, telephone-only interventions may have little or no effect on caregiver outcomes compared to usual care. The findings of the review were mainly based on studies with overall high risk of bias, and few participants. Further high-quality trials, with larger sample sizes are required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margarita Corry
- Trinity College DublinSchool of Nursing and MidwiferyDublinIreland
| | - Kathleen Neenan
- Trinity College DublinSchool of Nursing and MidwiferyDublinIreland
| | - Sally Brabyn
- University of YorkDepartment of Health SciencesHeslingtonYorkUKYO10 5DD
| | - Greg Sheaf
- The Library of Trinity College DublinCollege StreetDublinIreland
| | - Valerie Smith
- Trinity College DublinSchool of Nursing and MidwiferyDublinIreland
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Cheng ST, Au A, Losada A, Thompson LW, Gallagher-Thompson D. Psychological Interventions for Dementia Caregivers: What We Have Achieved, What We Have Learned. Curr Psychiatry Rep 2019; 21:59. [PMID: 31172302 PMCID: PMC6554248 DOI: 10.1007/s11920-019-1045-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 98] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
With the rising dementia population, more and more programs have been developed to help caregivers deal with the care-recipient as well as their own frustrations. Many interventions aim to enhance caregiver's ability to manage behavior problems and other deteriorations in functioning, with less direct emphasis placed on caring for the caregivers. We argue that techniques based on psychotherapy are strategically important in assistance provided to caregivers because of their utility for promoting emotional health. This article provides a focused review of such methods used in evidence-based intervention programs, along with the mechanisms of change associated with these methods. While cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) has a strong evidence base, there is also a growing trend to package CBT techniques into various psychoeducational programs. These programs, which we call psychoeducation with psychotherapeutic programs, have been consistently found to be effective in reducing caregiver distress and are suited for delivery in group format, even by paraprofessionals, to lower the cost of intervention. A recent trend is the effective use of technological aids (e.g., the internet) to deliver CBT and psychoeducation, reaching more caregivers. As for therapeutic mechanisms, the use of coping skills, reduced dysfunctional thoughts, and increased self-efficacy in controlling upsetting thoughts has received support in studies. We conclude that psychotherapeutic techniques are increasingly being used effectively and efficiently to assist caregivers, aided by successful adaptation for educational or technologically advanced means of delivery. More research on therapeutic mechanisms is needed to understand how the techniques work and how they can be further refined.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheung-Tak Cheng
- Department of Health and Physical Education, The Education University of Hong Kong, Tai Po, Hong Kong. .,Department of Clinical Psychology, Norwich Medical School, University of East Anglia, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, NR4 7TJ, UK.
| | - Alma Au
- Department of Applied Social Sciences, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Hong Kong
| | - Andrés Losada
- Psychology Department, Universidad Rey Juan Carlos, Madrid, Spain
| | - Larry W. Thompson
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305 USA
| | - Dolores Gallagher-Thompson
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305 USA ,Betty Irene Moore School of Nursing/Family Caregiving Institute, University of California, Davis, CA 95616 USA
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