Friederike Deeken1, Anna Rezo1, Matthias Hinz1, Robert Discher1, Michael A Rapp2. 1. Social and Preventive Medicine (FD, AR, MH, RD, MAR), University of Potsdam, Potsdam, Germany. 2. Social and Preventive Medicine (FD, AR, MH, RD, MAR), University of Potsdam, Potsdam, Germany. Electronic address: mrapp@uni-potsdam.de.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to estimate the efficacy of technology-based interventions for informal caregivers of people with dementia (PWD). METHODS: PubMed, PsycINFO, and Cochrane Library databases were searched in August 2018, with no restrictions in language or publication date. Two independent reviewers identified 33 eligible randomized controlled trials (RCTs) conducting a technology-based intervention for informal carers of PWD. Meta-analyses for the outcome measures caregiver depression and caregiver burden were conducted with subgroup analyses according to mode of delivery (telephone, computer/web-based, combined interventions). To assess methodologic quality, the Cochrane risk-of-bias assessment was rated. RESULTS: Meta-analyses revealed a small but significant postintervention effect of technology-based interventions for caregiver depression and caregiver burden. Combined interventions showed the strongest effects. CONCLUSION: Technology-based interventions have the potential to support informal caregivers of PWD. Because of advantages such as high flexibility and availability, technology-based interventions provide a promising alternative compared with "traditional services," e.g., those for people living in rural areas. More high-quality RCTs for specific caregiver groups are needed.
OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to estimate the efficacy of technology-based interventions for informal caregivers of people with dementia (PWD). METHODS: PubMed, PsycINFO, and Cochrane Library databases were searched in August 2018, with no restrictions in language or publication date. Two independent reviewers identified 33 eligible randomized controlled trials (RCTs) conducting a technology-based intervention for informal carers of PWD. Meta-analyses for the outcome measures caregiver depression and caregiver burden were conducted with subgroup analyses according to mode of delivery (telephone, computer/web-based, combined interventions). To assess methodologic quality, the Cochrane risk-of-bias assessment was rated. RESULTS: Meta-analyses revealed a small but significant postintervention effect of technology-based interventions for caregiver depression and caregiver burden. Combined interventions showed the strongest effects. CONCLUSION: Technology-based interventions have the potential to support informal caregivers of PWD. Because of advantages such as high flexibility and availability, technology-based interventions provide a promising alternative compared with "traditional services," e.g., those for people living in rural areas. More high-quality RCTs for specific caregiver groups are needed.
Authors: Richard Sztramko; Anthony J Levinson; Andrea E Wurster; Rita Jezrawi; Branavan Sivapathasundaram; Alexandra Papaioannou; David Cowan; Joye St Onge; Sharon Marr; Christopher Patterson; Tricia Woo; Lori Mosca; Cynthia Lokker Journal: Can Geriatr J Date: 2021-12-01
Authors: Hengfen Dai; Caiyun Zheng; Chun Lin; Yan Zhang; Hong Zhang; Fan Chen; Yunchun Liu; Jingwen Xiao; Chaoxin Chen Journal: J Med Internet Res Date: 2020-07-15 Impact factor: 5.428