Effectiveness of remote interventions in improving caregiver stress outcomes for caregivers of people with traumatic brain injury.

Abstract

Objective: Caregiver stress is the term used to define the adverse effects of caregiving, and its prevalence among caregivers of people with traumatic brain injury (TBI) is amplified by the suddenness of brain injury. This systematic review aimed to identify whether remote interventions can be helpful in minimizing those financial, emotional, and physical stressors associated with caring for a person with TBI. Method: Studies were located by searching the following databases: PsycINFO, PubMed, Science Direct, Web of Science, Academic Search Premier, CINAHL, Medline, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials. Studies were included if they met the following criteria: (a) The study must be published in English, (b) The study must be published in a peer-reviewed journal, (c) The study must implement a remote intervention specific to caregivers of people with TBI, and (d) One or more symptoms of caregiver stress must be measured as an outcome. Results: After the review process, 12 articles met the inclusion criteria for the study. Most of the studies were randomized controlled trials, used an online problem-solving module, and targeted parents of children/adolescents with a TBI. Ten out of the 12 studies (83.3%) found that remote/online interventions improved caregiver stress outcomes and only two studies did not find improvement in caregiver stress outcomes. Conclusion: Results from this systematic review indicate that online interventions can be as effective as in-person interventions in reducing the symptoms of caregiver stress for caregivers of people with TBI. Implications for practice, research, and policy are discussed. Impact and ImplicationsRemote interventions are effective in improving life satisfaction, quality of life, and overall caregiver functioning among caregivers of people with traumatic brain injury (TBI). Remote interventions are also effective in reducing depression, anxiety, psychological distress, and other psychiatric symptoms among caregivers of people with TBI. Support services for caregivers should consider remote interventions such as online support groups, online psychotherapy, and telephone interventions to reduce access barriers for caregivers of people with TBI.

Community Caring for a Family Member With Brain Injury: Women’s Lived Experiences

“…This last item was a resounding call-to-action from the participants as integral to their ability to support themselves and sustain caregiving. Similar to a previous systematic review (Suntai et al, 2021), the findings reinforce the benefits of remote group interventions to reduce stress for caregivers of individuals with TBI. Leveraging relationships to triumph over the challenges provided this group of women a means to promote effective care (Segev et al, 2018).…”

Benefits of Telerehabilitation for Patients With Severe Acquired Brain Injury: Promising Results From a Multicenter Randomized Controlled Trial Using Nonimmersive Virtual Reality

“…This is probably why caregivers were involved during the TR sessions, acting as cotherapists, but received, at the same time, support from a multidisciplinary rehabilitation team for their social, physical, and psychological needs. In fact, remote interventions can be effective in reducing psychological distress, thanks to the active participation in the care and decision-making processes, also avoiding travel difficulties related to access of appropriate health care providers [55][56][57].…”

Addressing caregiver needs of brain injury survivors through telehealth: A pilot qualitative study

“…As caregivers shape their lives, in turn, the lives of caregivers revolve around the loved ones for whom they are caring (Bourke‐Taylor et al, 2010). However, research demonstrates that the toll on mental health for the TBI survivor's caregiver exceeds that of caregivers for individuals with dementia and cancer (Suntai et al, 2021). In their scoping review, Baker et al (2017) noted that the barriers faced by caregivers for TBIs and spinal cord injuries were well documented in the literature, but information on possible interventions were significantly limited.…”