Measuring the success of interventions for caregivers: a focussed systematic review

Drummond, M., Johnston, B. and Quinn, T. J. (2019) Measuring the success of interventions for caregivers: a focussed systematic review. Current Opinion in Supportive and Palliative Care, 13(4), pp. 351-359. (doi: 10.1097/SPC.0000000000000461) (PMID:31689272) (PMCID:PMC6867664)

Abstract

Purpose of review: The selection and application of outcome measures are fundamental steps in the research process because they inform decisions around intervention efficacy. We aimed to describe the outcomes used in trials of supportive interventions for adult caregivers of people with three exemplar life-limiting conditions: heart failure, dementia or stroke. Recent findings: We performed a focussed review of 134 published trials that included interventions designed to improve caregivers’ health and wellbeing and/or ability to function in their caring role. We extracted and categorized all caregiver outcomes described in the studies. We identified inconsistency in the outcomes measured; frequent use of bespoke and adapted tools (29% of outcomes were bespoke), and a lack of clarity in outcome priorities (the mean number of outcomes per trial was four [range: 1–11]). Outcome scales that purport to measure the psychological impact of the caring role were the most popular tools in all three caregiver groups. Summary: Outcomes used in trials related to adult caregivers are characterized by inconsistencies in outcome measure selection and assessment. This heterogeneity complicates comparisons of treatments and attempts to pool data.

• Item Type: Articles
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Drummond, Maria and Johnston, Professor Bridget and Quinn, Professor Terry
• Authors: Drummond, M., Johnston, B., and Quinn, T. J.
• College/School: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Cardiovascular & Metabolic Health; College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Medicine, Dentistry & Nursing > Nursing and Health Care
• Journal Name: Current Opinion in Supportive and Palliative Care
• Publisher: Lippincott, Williams and Wilkins
• ISSN: 1751-4258
• ISSN (Online): 1751-4266
• Published Online: 13 September 2019
• Copyright Holders: Copyright © 2019 The Authors
• First Published: First published in Current Opinion in Supportive and Palliative Care 13(4): 351-359
• Publisher Policy: Reproduced under a Creative Commons License