Key messages from scientific research that's ready to be acted on
Got It, Hide thisBakas T, Clark PC, Kelly-Hayes M, et al. Evidence for stroke family caregiver and dyad interventions: a statement for healthcare professionals from the american heart association and american stroke association. Stroke. 2014;45:2836-52.
In caregivers of people who survived a stroke, do interventions improve outcomes in caregivers or stroke survivors?
People who survive a stroke may have ongoing disabilities. They may need help with their care from family members and friends (caregivers). Interventions done with caregivers may help to relieve stress or improve coping in caregivers. They may also improve outcomes in stroke survivors.
The researchers did a systematic review, searching for studies that were published in English up to October 2012.
They found 26 randomized controlled trials and 6 nonrandomized studies. Studies included between 17 and 486 people.
The key features of the studies were:
Control groups were not described.
Most interventions provided psycho-educational information alone or with skill building. Most studies had follow-up of 6 to 12 months.
Compared with control groups:
Interventions done with caregivers of survivors of stroke mainly improve caregiver outcomes. Interventions done with caregivers and stroke survivors mainly improve outcomes in stroke survivors.
Type of intervention | Number of studies | Effect of intervention in caregivers† | Effect of intervention in stroke survivors‡ |
Any intervention done with caregivers | 17 studies§ | Improved some outcomes in 16 studies (94%) Social functioning was worse in 1 study | Improved some outcomes in 3 studies (18%) |
Any intervention done with caregivers and stroke survivors | 15 studies|| | Improved some outcomes in 8 studies (53%) No effect in 5 studies (27%) Social functioning and satisfaction were worse in 1 study each | Improved some outcomes in 14 studies (93%) No effect in 1 study (7%) Social functioning and satisfaction were worse in 1 study each |
Support for the Portal is largely provided by the Labarge Optimal Aging Initiative. AGE-WELL is a contributing partner. Help us to continue to provide direct and easy access to evidence-based information on health and social conditions to help you stay healthy, active and engaged as you grow older. Donate Today.