Article

Psychosocial intervention for carers of people with dementia: What components are most effective and when? A systematic review of systematic reviews

Details

Citation

Dickinson C, Dow J, Gibson G, Hayes L, Robalino S & Robinson L (2017) Psychosocial intervention for carers of people with dementia: What components are most effective and when? A systematic review of systematic reviews. International Psychogeriatrics, 29 (1), pp. 31-43. https://doi.org/10.1017/S1041610216001447

Abstract
Psychosocial interventions for carers of people with dementia are increasingly recognized as playing an important role in dementia care. We aim to systematically review the evidence from existing systematic reviews of psychosocial interventions for informal carers of people with dementia.  Thirty-one systematic reviews were identified; following quality appraisal, data from 13 reviews, rated as high or moderate quality, were extracted.  Well-designed, clearly structured multi-component interventions can help maintain the psychological health of carers of people with dementia and delay institutionalization of the latter. To be most effective, such interventions should include both an educational and a therapeutic component; delivery through a support group format may further enhance their effectiveness.  Successful translation of evidence into practice in this area remains a challenge. Future research should focus on determining the most cost-effective means of delivering effective multi-component interventions in real-world settings; the cost-effective potential of technology-based interventions is considerable.

Journal
International Psychogeriatrics: Volume 29, Issue 1

StatusPublished
Publication date31/01/2017
Publication date online26/09/2016
Date accepted by journal11/08/2016
URLhttp://hdl.handle.net/1893/24403
PublisherCambridge University Press for International Psychogeriatric Association 2016
ISSN1041-6102

People (1)

People

Dr Grant Gibson

Dr Grant Gibson

Senior Lecturer, Dementia and Ageing