Journal of Multidisciplinary Healthcare (Apr 2022)
Behavioral Interventions for the Patient–Caregiver Unit in Patients with Chronic Heart Failure: A Systematic Review of Caregiver Outcomes
Abstract
Suthershinii G,1,* Weiling Amanda Tan,2,* Ainsley Ryan Yan Bin Lee,2 Matthew Zhixuan Chen3 1Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore; 2Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore; 3Division of Geriatric Medicine, Department of Medicine, National University Hospital, Singapore*These authors contributed equally to this workCorrespondence: Matthew Zhixuan Chen, Division of Geriatric Medicine, Department of Medicine, National University Hospital, 1E Kent Ridge Road, Tower Block, Level 10 Department of Medicine, 119228, Singapore, Tel +65 6779 5555, Email [email protected]: Chronic heart failure (CHF) is a debilitating condition that affects millions worldwide. It is accompanied by a myriad of adverse consequences, such asdiminishing of quality of life and deterioration of mental health. Caregivers play a pivotal role in helping CHF patients manage their conditions and symptoms, as a result the physical, mental and emotional state of caregivers have a direct impact on CHF patients and the management of this condition.Purpose: This systematic review aims to synthesize data about the effectiveness of behavioral interventions targeted at patients with chronic heart failure (CHF) and/or informal caregivers of CHF patients to improve overall management and treatment of CHF in the population.Patients and Methods: Three databases were searched for published studies and studies that included evaluated outcomes of interventions that targeted CHF patients or informal caregivers. All randomized controlled trials, trials of either experimental or quasi-experimental design were included. Studies that only involved formal caregivers, patient populations of adolescents/young adults and patients with non-chronic conditions were excluded.Results: Across the 21 included studies, no study reported a significant improvement in all three domains of quality of life (QoL), depression and loneliness of caregivers while only three studies reported a significant improvement in two outcomes. Within each domain, heterogeneity in measures limited quantitative pooling.Conclusion: This review provides data on the efficacy of interventions targeted at CHF patients and/or informal caregivers. It also highlights successful interventions and its features. Following this, additional resources need to be invested and directed towards implementing these interventions.Keywords: caregiver burden, chronic care, multidisciplinary care, psychosocial
