The psychological effects of interventions targeting informal caregivers of patients with cardiovascular disease - a systematic review

AIM: To explore the psychological effects of interventions aimed at supporting informal caregivers involved in the care and treatment of patients with cardiovascular disease.

METHOD AND RESULTS: Databases (PubMed, CINAHL, Embase, Cochrane Library and PsycInfo) were searched for studies in accordance with the Cochrane Handbook guidelines. Inclusion criteria were: caregivers of patients with one or more cardiovascular diseases, patient and caregiver >18 years, caregivers included in the intervention, and, reporting of psychological outcomes specific to caregivers. Study designs were randomized controlled trials (RCTs) with a follow-up periods of >2 months. The RoB 2.0 bias assessment tool were used to assess risk of bias. Fifteen studies from nine countries were identified. Most interventions consisted of multiple components including educational face-to-face sessions, telephone support, and/or written resources. The analysis showed inconsistent results on caregiver outcomes, but significant improvements were reported in seven studies in at least one caregiver outcome. Analysis indicated that the studies providing more frequent contact with caregivers and patients were more likely to report significant improvements in caregiver outcomes. Risk of bias was judged as low in three studies, some concerns in nine studies, and as high in three studies.

CONCLUSION: Due to inconsistency in results, this review yield uncertainty about whether interventions targeting caregivers of patients with cardiovascular disease improve caregivers' psychological outcomes. Therefore, further research is needed to develop effective interventions for caregivers, as they play a vital role in the daily care and treatment of patients with cardiovascular disease.