Jael Lorca-Cabrera1, Carme Grau2, Rut Martí-Arques3, Laia Raigal-Aran4, Anna Falcó-Pegueroles5, Núria Albacar-Riobóo6. 1. Nursing Department, Campus Terres de l'Ebre, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Av/ Remolins, 13-15, 43500 Tortosa, Spain. Electronic address: jael.lorca@urv.cat. 2. Nursing Department, Campus Catalunya, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Av/ Catalunya, 35, 43002 Tarragona, Spain. Electronic address: carme.ferre@urv.cat. 3. Nursing Department, Campus Terres de l'Ebre, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Av/ Remolins, 13-15, 43500 Tortosa, Spain. Electronic address: rut.marti@urv.cat. 4. Nursing Department, Campus Catalunya, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Av/ Catalunya, 35, 43002 Tarragona, Spain. Electronic address: laia.raigal@urv.cat. 5. Nursing Department, Escola Universitaria d'Infermeria, Universitat de Barcelona, Carrer de la Feixa Llarga, s/n, 08907 L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona. Electronic address: annafalco@ub.edu. 6. Nursing Department, Campus Terres de l'Ebre, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Av/ Remolins, 13-15, 43500 Tortosa, Spain. Electronic address: Nuria.albacar@urv.cat.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Internet-based interventions can help empower caregivers of people with chronic diseases and can develop solutions to decrease the physical and psychological consequences resulting from caregiving. OBJECTIVE: Analysing the effectiveness of health web-based and/or mobile app-based interventions with regard to the level of well-being and quality of life of informal caregivers in charge of people with chronic diseases. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Systematic review of the following databases: Pubmed, Apa PsycINFO, ProQuest Health & Medical Complete and Scopus. Quality standards established by PRISMA and Joanna Briggs Institute Systematic Review Approach have been followed. The two phases of the selection process were carried out independently and a cross-case comparative analysis by three reviewers. RESULTS: A total of 17 studies met inclusion criteria. The analysis shows that almost all studies involved web-based interventions with the exception of one which concerned a mobile app-based intervention. Most of them prove their effectiveness in the overall well-being of the caregiver and more specifically in the mental dimension, highlighting a decrease in caregivers' anxiety and/or distress, depression symptoms and sense of competence. CONCLUSIONS: The findings support that web-based interventions have an impact mainly on caregivers' well-being. Nevertheless, other dimensions that are necessary for caregiving, such as physical, mental and social dimension, have been scarcely explored. More studies on mobile app-based interventions are needed to know their effectiveness.
BACKGROUND: Internet-based interventions can help empower caregivers of people with chronic diseases and can develop solutions to decrease the physical and psychological consequences resulting from caregiving. OBJECTIVE: Analysing the effectiveness of health web-based and/or mobile app-based interventions with regard to the level of well-being and quality of life of informal caregivers in charge of people with chronic diseases. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Systematic review of the following databases: Pubmed, Apa PsycINFO, ProQuest Health & Medical Complete and Scopus. Quality standards established by PRISMA and Joanna Briggs Institute Systematic Review Approach have been followed. The two phases of the selection process were carried out independently and a cross-case comparative analysis by three reviewers. RESULTS: A total of 17 studies met inclusion criteria. The analysis shows that almost all studies involved web-based interventions with the exception of one which concerned a mobile app-based intervention. Most of them prove their effectiveness in the overall well-being of the caregiver and more specifically in the mental dimension, highlighting a decrease in caregivers' anxiety and/or distress, depression symptoms and sense of competence. CONCLUSIONS: The findings support that web-based interventions have an impact mainly on caregivers' well-being. Nevertheless, other dimensions that are necessary for caregiving, such as physical, mental and social dimension, have been scarcely explored. More studies on mobile app-based interventions are needed to know their effectiveness.
Authors: Heather M Young; Janice F Bell; Orly Tonkikh; Tina R Kilaberia; Robin L Whitney; Jennifer M Mongoven; Benjamin M Link; Kathleen Kelly Journal: JMIR Form Res Date: 2022-07-13