Volume 39, Issue 3 pp. e239-e250
REVIEW ARTICLE

Interventions supporting caregiver readiness when caring for patients with dementia following discharge home: A mixed-methods systematic review

Elizabeth Pritchard

Corresponding Author

Elizabeth Pritchard

Occupational Therapy Department, Alfred Health, Prahran, Victoria, Australia

Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia

Correspondence

Elizabeth Pritchard, Monash University, 553 Saint Kilda Road, Melbourne 3004 Victoria, Australia.

Email: [email protected]

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Amy Cussen

Amy Cussen

Occupational Therapy Department, Alfred Health, Caulfield, Victoria, Australia

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Veronica Delafosse

Veronica Delafosse

Caulfield Hospital Library Services, Alfred Health, Caulfield, Victoria, Australia

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Miriam Swift

Miriam Swift

Occupational Therapy Department, Alfred Health, Caulfield, Victoria, Australia

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Laura Jolliffe

Laura Jolliffe

Occupational Therapy Department, Alfred Health, Caulfield, Victoria, Australia

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Harriet Yeates

Harriet Yeates

Occupational Therapy Department, Alfred Health, Caulfield, Victoria, Australia

Occupational Therapy Department, St Vincent’s Health, Fitzroy, Victoria, Australia

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First published: 16 January 2020
Citations: 9

Funding information

None.

Abstract

Objective

To explore programs and information provided to caregivers of inpatients with dementia to assist with readiness to provide care following discharge.

Methods

A mixed-methods systematic review with meta-analysis was conducted. Search terms included dementia, inpatient, caregiver, anxiety, discharge and counselling.

Results

The search yielded 1938 studies (six databases), 13 met the inclusion criteria. Meta-analysis showed no statistically significant changes in anxiety, depression, burden or quality of life 3 months postintervention. Three emergent qualitative themes for staff consideration are as follows: understanding personal characteristics of both patient and caregiver; presenting an inclusive organisational culture; and providing appropriate information at all stages of admission. A Model of Caregiver Readiness was created from the qualitative results.

Conclusion

The programs did not significantly decrease the outcomes measured. However, caregivers identified that inclusion at all stages during hospital admission was a vital factor to reduce stress and increase caregiver readiness.

CONFLICTS OF INTEREST

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

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