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Consistency of dementia caregiver intervention classification: an evidence-based synthesis

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  27 September 2016

Joseph E. Gaugler ,
Eric Jutkowitz ,
Tetyana P. Shippee  and
Michelle Brasure
Joseph E. Gaugler*
Affiliation:
Center on Aging, School of Nursing, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
Eric Jutkowitz
Affiliation:
Division of Health Policy and Management, School of Public Health, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
Tetyana P. Shippee
Affiliation:
Division of Health Policy and Management, School of Public Health, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
Michelle Brasure
Affiliation:
Minnesota Evidence-Based Practice Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
*
Correspondence should be addressed to: Joseph E. Gaugler, PhD, Long-Term Care Professor in Nursing, Center on Aging, School of Nursing, University of Minnesota, 6–153 Weaver-Densford Hall, 1331, 308 Harvard Street S.E., Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA. Phone: +612-626-2485; Fax: +612-625-7180. Email: gaug0015@umn.edu.
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Abstract

Background:

There are many systematic reviews and meta-analyses (SRs) of interventions for family caregivers of persons with Alzheimer's disease or a related dementia. A challenge when synthesizing the efficacy of dementia caregiver interventions is the potential discrepancy in how they are categorized. The objective of this study was to systematically examine inconsistencies in how dementia caregiver interventions are classified.

Methods:

We searched Ovid Medline®, Ovid PsycINFO®, Ovid Embase®, and the Cochrane Library to identify previous SRs published and indexed in bibliographic databases through January 2015. Following a graphical network analysis, open-coding of classification definitions was conducted. A descriptive analysis was then completed to examine classification consistency of individual interventions across SR grouping labels.

Results:

Twenty-three SRs were identified. A graphical network analysis revealed a significant amount of overlap in individual studies included across SRs, but stark differences in how reviews labeled or categorized them. The qualitative content analysis identified seven themes; one of these, content of the intervention, was used to compare classification consistency. When subjecting the classification of interventions to descriptive empirical analysis, extensive inconsistency was apparent.

Conclusions:

The substantial inconsistency in how dementia caregiver interventions are classified across SRs has hindered the science and practice of dementia caregiver interventions. Specifically, accurate reporting of intervention components and SRs would allow for more precise assessments of efficacy as well as a fuller determination of how caregiver interventions can best yield benefits for caregivers and persons with dementia.

Keywords

Alzheimer's diseasedementiacarersinterventionsrandomized controlled trialsystematic reviewsmeta-analysis
Type
Review Article
Information
International Psychogeriatrics , Volume 29 , Issue 1 , January 2017 , pp. 19 - 30
Copyright
Copyright © International Psychogeriatric Association 2016 

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