TY - JOUR
T1 - The effectiveness and characteristics of communication partner training programs for families of people with dementia
T2 - a systematic review
AU - Folder, Naomi
AU - Power, Emma
AU - Rietdijk, Rachael
AU - Christensen, Iben
AU - Togher, Leanne
AU - Parker, Deborah
PY - 2024/4
Y1 - 2024/4
N2 - Background and Objectives: Communication partner training (CPT) is essential in dementia care. Despite families being the largest group of community carers, previous reviews primarily focused on formal carers. This study aimed to understand the characteristics and effectiveness of CPT for families of people with dementia. Research Design and Methods: The systematic review included intervention/protocol studies on dementia CPT for families, excluding formal carers and programs not focused on communication. CINAHL, PsycINFO, SpeechBITE, Medline, SCOPUS, and Embase were searched between November 30 and December 6, 2021. After deduplication, 3,172 records were screened. Quality assessment used JBI Critical Appraisal tools and the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool. Data synthesis utilized three reporting tools, the International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health, and content analysis. Results: Of 30 studies (27 programs), there were 10 quasi-experimental, 5 RCTs, 4 mixed methods, 4 case studies, 4 qualitative, and 2 protocols. Studies were published between 1998 and 2021 and included 671 family members. Characteristics varied with 7/27 programs including consumers during creation and one program including telehealth. One study included all reporting tool criteria. Programs typically used 4 intervention functions, with 12/27 programs addressing 3 behavior change areas. 33/74 outcome measures targeted the "Environment" of the person with dementia. Studies showed positive improvements in communication skills and knowledge, with mixed results on behavior/psychosocial outcomes. Qualitative results identified improvements in conversation and attitudes. Discussion and Implications: CPT for families improves communication outcomes, however, quality of studies varied significantly. Future research should address gaps in telehealth, consumer involvement, and intervention descriptions.
AB - Background and Objectives: Communication partner training (CPT) is essential in dementia care. Despite families being the largest group of community carers, previous reviews primarily focused on formal carers. This study aimed to understand the characteristics and effectiveness of CPT for families of people with dementia. Research Design and Methods: The systematic review included intervention/protocol studies on dementia CPT for families, excluding formal carers and programs not focused on communication. CINAHL, PsycINFO, SpeechBITE, Medline, SCOPUS, and Embase were searched between November 30 and December 6, 2021. After deduplication, 3,172 records were screened. Quality assessment used JBI Critical Appraisal tools and the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool. Data synthesis utilized three reporting tools, the International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health, and content analysis. Results: Of 30 studies (27 programs), there were 10 quasi-experimental, 5 RCTs, 4 mixed methods, 4 case studies, 4 qualitative, and 2 protocols. Studies were published between 1998 and 2021 and included 671 family members. Characteristics varied with 7/27 programs including consumers during creation and one program including telehealth. One study included all reporting tool criteria. Programs typically used 4 intervention functions, with 12/27 programs addressing 3 behavior change areas. 33/74 outcome measures targeted the "Environment" of the person with dementia. Studies showed positive improvements in communication skills and knowledge, with mixed results on behavior/psychosocial outcomes. Qualitative results identified improvements in conversation and attitudes. Discussion and Implications: CPT for families improves communication outcomes, however, quality of studies varied significantly. Future research should address gaps in telehealth, consumer involvement, and intervention descriptions.
KW - Conversation
KW - Dementia care
KW - Informal carer
KW - Strategies
KW - Support
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=85188480407&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.1093/geront/gnad095
DO - 10.1093/geront/gnad095
M3 - Article
C2 - 37439771
AN - SCOPUS:85188480407
SN - 0016-9013
VL - 64
JO - Gerontologist
JF - Gerontologist
IS - 4
M1 - gnad095
ER -