G R Toms1, L Clare2, J Nixon3, C Quinn1. 1. School of Psychology,Bangor University,Brigantia Building,Bangor,Gwynedd,LL57 2AS,UK. 2. College of Life and Environmental Sciences - Psychology,Washington Singer Laboratories,Exeter University,Perry Road,Exeter,EX4 4QG,UK. 3. Health Centre,Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board,Llanfairpwll,Anglesey,LL61 5YZ,UK.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Provision of non-pharmacological interventions is a common policy objective for people with dementia, and support groups are an increasingly common intervention. However, there have been few attempts to synthesize evidence on the effectiveness of support groups for people with dementia. This review investigated the outcomes of support groups for people with dementia, explored participant characteristics and reviewed group formats. METHODS: A systematic review was undertaken and a narrative synthesis of data from 29 papers (reporting on 26 groups and a survey of a range of groups) was conducted. RESULTS: Support groups seem acceptable to people with dementia. Qualitative studies report subjective benefits for participants but there is limited evidence of positive outcomes based on quantitative data. Samples have tended to be homogenous and this may limit the generalizability of findings. CONCLUSIONS: Although qualitative studies will remain important in this area, further mixed-methods randomized controlled trials (RCTs)or comparison group studies with longer follow-up periods are needed to strengthen the evidence base.
BACKGROUND: Provision of non-pharmacological interventions is a common policy objective for people with dementia, and support groups are an increasingly common intervention. However, there have been few attempts to synthesize evidence on the effectiveness of support groups for people with dementia. This review investigated the outcomes of support groups for people with dementia, explored participant characteristics and reviewed group formats. METHODS: A systematic review was undertaken and a narrative synthesis of data from 29 papers (reporting on 26 groups and a survey of a range of groups) was conducted. RESULTS: Support groups seem acceptable to people with dementia. Qualitative studies report subjective benefits for participants but there is limited evidence of positive outcomes based on quantitative data. Samples have tended to be homogenous and this may limit the generalizability of findings. CONCLUSIONS: Although qualitative studies will remain important in this area, further mixed-methods randomized controlled trials (RCTs)or comparison group studies with longer follow-up periods are needed to strengthen the evidence base.
Entities:
Keywords:
Alzheimer’s disease; acceptability; effectiveness; feasibility; peer support; psycho-education; social support
Authors: Claire Waddington; Emma Harding; Emilie V Brotherhood; Ian Davies Abbott; Suzanne Barker; Paul M Camic; Victory Ezeofor; Hannah Gardner; Adetola Grillo; Chris Hardy; Zoe Hoare; Roberta McKee-Jackson; Kirsten Moore; Trish O'Hara; Jennifer Roberts; Samuel Rossi-Harries; Aida Suarez-Gonzalez; Mary Pat Sullivan; Rhiannon Tudor Edwards; Millie Van Der Byl Williams; Jill Walton; Alicia Willoughby; Gill Windle; Eira Winrow; Olivia Wood; Nikki Zimmermann; Sebastian J Crutch; Joshua Stott Journal: JMIR Res Protoc Date: 2022-07-20
Authors: Andrew David Eaton; Sharon L Walmsley; Shelley L Craig; Sean B Rourke; Teresa Sota; John W McCullagh; Barbara A Fallon Journal: BMJ Open Date: 2019-10-31 Impact factor: 2.692