Applying dyadic digital psychological interventions for reducing caregiver burden in the illness context: A systematic review and a meta-analysis protocol

Michelle Semonella, Vanessa Bertuzzi, Rachel Dekel, Gerhard Andersson, Giada Pietrabissa, Noa Vilchinsky

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

3 Scopus citations

Abstract

Introduction Providing informal care to one's romantic partner who is ill may become a highly distressing and demanding task. Based on the innovative dyadic coping model, several support interventions have been developed to alleviate informal caregivers' burden, including both caregivers' and care receivers' needs. Considering the unique challenges characterising the caregiving phenomenon, such as geographical barriers and time restrictions, digital solutions should be considered. However, there is a lack of research examining the effectiveness of dyadic digital solutions. Thus, this review aims to examine the existing literature on the efficacy of dyadic digital psychological interventions designed for caregivers and their care-receivers couples within the illness context. Methods and analysis Randomised controlled trials targeting caregivers' burden among dyads of informal caregivers and care receivers will be identified via an electronic search of the following databases: PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane Library, Cinhal, Scopus, PsycINFO, MEDLINE and supplemented by hand searching of previous systematic reviews. The search will be undertaken following the PICO (population, intervention, comparison and outcome) elements. If possible, a meta-analysis will be conducted to examine: (1) the effectiveness of dyadic digital psychological interventions for reducing caregivers' burden (primary outcome) among caregivers who are in a romantic relationship with the care receivers; (2) the effectiveness of dyadic digital psychological interventions on secondary outcomes such as anxiety, depression, stress, quality of life, well-being and self-efficacy among caregivers and care receivers; and (3) moderating effects of clinical and methodological factors on caregivers' burden. Prior to inclusion in the review, retrieved papers will be critically appraised by two independent reviewers. The Cochrane Risk of Bias tool will assess the risk of bias for randomised controlled trials. Ethics and dissemination Ethical approval is not required as no primary data will be collected. Findings will be disseminated through peer-reviewed publications, presentations at academic conferences and lay summaries for various stakeholders. PROSPERO registration number CRD42022299125.

Original languageEnglish
Article numbere070279
JournalBMJ Open
Volume13
Issue number5
DOIs
StatePublished - 10 May 2023

Bibliographical note

Publisher Copyright:
© 2023 BMJ Publishing Group. All rights reserved.

Funding

This work is funded by the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation program under the Marie-Sklodowska Curie grant agreement no 814072.

FundersFunder number
Horizon 2020 Framework Programme814072

    Keywords

    • MENTAL HEALTH
    • Protocols & guidelines
    • Quality in health care

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