A systematic review of Internet-based supportive interventions for caregivers of patients with dementia

ABSTRACT

Objective: Because of the expected increase in the number of dementia patients, the unlikelihood of a cure in the near future, and the rising cost of care, there is an increasing need for effective caregiver interventions. Internet interventions hold considerable promise for meeting the educational and support needs of informal dementia caregivers at reduced costs. The current study aims to provide an overview of the evidence for the effectiveness, feasibility, and quality of Internet interventions for informal caregivers of people with dementia.

Methods: A systematic literature search of five scientific databases was performed, covering literature published up to 10 January 2013. Twelve studies were identified. The quality of the included studies was assessed according to the Cochrane level of evidence and the criteria list of the Cochrane Back Review Group.

Results: The intervention types, dosage, and duration differed widely, as did the methodological quality of the included studies. The overall level of evidence was low. However, the results demonstrate that Internet interventions for informal dementia caregivers can improve various aspects of caregiver wellbeing, for example, confidence, depression, and self-efficacy, provided they comprise multiple components and are tailored to the individual. Furthermore, caregivers could benefit from interaction with a coach and other caregivers.

Conclusions: Internet interventions for informal dementia caregivers may improve caregiver well-being. However, the available supporting evidence lacks methodological quality. More randomized controlled studies assessing interventions performed according to protocol are needed to give stronger statements about the effects of supportive Internet interventions and their most promising elements. 

My Opinion

This study review twelve studies about the internet-based supportive interventions based on their inclusion criteria such as 1. reported the effects (quantitative and qualitative) of an intervention; 2. were Internet-based; and 3. were aimed at informal (nonprofessional) caregivers; of 4. patients with mild cognitive impairment/dementia.

The following intervention types were identified: a website with information and support on various aspects of caregiving, a website with additional caregiving strategies, a website combined with telephone support, a website with additional e-mail support, and a website with a combination of individual work.

From that review, this study stated that intetnet interventions for informal dementia caregivers can improve various aspects of caregiver well-being although the available supporting evidence lacks methodological quality.

In particular, multicomponent programs that combined information, tailored caregiving strategies, and contact with other caregivers resulted in positive effects on confidence, self-efficacy, stress, burden, and depression. Internet interventions that focused primarily on providing caregivers with information were less likely to improve caregiver well-being. This review might cause healthcare professionals to consider online support for informal dementia caregivers in addition to the already provided care as usual but, given the limited number of studies of high methodological quality, there is a need for further investigation.

Reference : https://www.researchgate.net/publication/256072220_A_systematic_review_of_Internet-based_supportive_interventions_for_caregivers_of_patients_with_dementia