The Effectiveness and Characteristics of Communication Partner Training Programs for Families of People with Dementia: A Systematic Review.

Folder, N; Power, E; Rietdijk, R; Christensen, I; Togher, L; Parker, D

The Effectiveness and Characteristics of Communication Partner Training Programs for Families of People with Dementia: A Systematic Review.

Folder, N

Power, E

Rietdijk, R Christensen, I Togher, L Parker, D

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Publisher:: Oxford University Press (OUP)
Publication Type:: Journal Article
Citation:: Gerontologist, 2023, pp. gnad095
Issue Date:: 2023-07-13

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Field	Value	Language
dc.contributor.author	Folder, N https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9691-9553
dc.contributor.author	Power, E https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2638-0406
dc.contributor.author	Rietdijk, R
dc.contributor.author	Christensen, I
dc.contributor.author	Togher, L
dc.contributor.author	Parker, D https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2552-8613
dc.date.accessioned	2023-07-16T04:13:26Z
dc.date.available	2023-07-16T04:13:26Z
dc.date.issued	2023-07-13
dc.identifier.citation	Gerontologist, 2023, pp. gnad095
dc.identifier.issn	0016-9013
dc.identifier.issn	1758-5341
dc.identifier.uri	http://hdl.handle.net/10453/171515
dc.description.abstract	BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Communication partner training (CPT) is essential in dementia care. Despite families being the largest group of community carers, previous reviews primarily focus 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 30 th November and 6 th December 2021. After deduplication, 3172 records were screened. Quality assessment used JBI Critical Appraisal tools and the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool. Data synthesis utilised 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, five RCTs, four mixed-methods, four case studies, four qualitative, and two protocols. Studies were published between 1998-2021 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 four intervention functions, with 12/27 programs addressing three behaviour 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 behaviour/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.
dc.format	Print-Electronic
dc.language	eng
dc.publisher	Oxford University Press (OUP)
dc.relation.ispartof	Gerontologist
dc.relation.isbasedon	10.1093/geront/gnad095
dc.rights	info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess
dc.rights	This is a pre-copyedited, author-produced version of an article accepted for publication in [Gerontologist, 2023, pp. gnad095] is available online at: http://doi.org/10.1093/geront/gnad095
dc.subject	1103 Clinical Sciences
dc.subject.classification	Gerontology
dc.title	The Effectiveness and Characteristics of Communication Partner Training Programs for Families of People with Dementia: A Systematic Review.
dc.type	Journal Article
utslib.location.activity	United States
utslib.for	1103 Clinical Sciences
pubs.organisational-group	/University of Technology Sydney
pubs.organisational-group	/University of Technology Sydney/Faculty of Health
pubs.organisational-group	/University of Technology Sydney/Strength - CHT - Health Technologies
pubs.organisational-group	/University of Technology Sydney/Faculty of Health/Graduate School of Health
pubs.organisational-group	/University of Technology Sydney/Faculty of Health/Graduate School of Health/GSH.Speech Pathology
pubs.organisational-group	/University of Technology Sydney/Centre for Health Technologies (CHT)
utslib.copyright.status	open_access	*
dc.date.updated	2023-07-16T04:13:24Z
pubs.publication-status	Published online

Abstract:

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Communication partner training (CPT) is essential in dementia care. Despite families being the largest group of community carers, previous reviews primarily focus 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 30 th November and 6 th December 2021. After deduplication, 3172 records were screened. Quality assessment used JBI Critical Appraisal tools and the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool. Data synthesis utilised 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, five RCTs, four mixed-methods, four case studies, four qualitative, and two protocols. Studies were published between 1998-2021 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 four intervention functions, with 12/27 programs addressing three behaviour 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 behaviour/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.

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http://hdl.handle.net/10453/171515