Factors to consider for motor neurone disease carer intervention research: A narrative literature review. Issue 5 (20th December 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Gluyas, Cathy; Mathers, Susan; Hennessy Anderson, Nicole; Ugalde, Anna
• Is Part Of: Palliative & supportive care. Volume 15:Issue 5(2017)
• Page Start: 600
• Page End: 608
• Publication Date: 2016-12-20
• Subjects: Caregivers, -- Motor neurone disease, -- Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, -- Distress, -- Burden; Palliative treatment -- Great Britain -- Periodicals; 616.029
• DOI: 10.1017/S1478951516000912
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1478-9515

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Objective: The experience of caregiving in the context of motor neurone disease (MND) is extremely challenging. Over the past 15 years, quantitative and qualitative studies have delineated the psychosocial aspects of this experience, exploring its impact on caregivers' quality of life, rates of depression, distress, anxiety, and burden. Our paper aimed to provide an overview of the lived experience of MND caregivers, identifying the variables that can influence MND caregiver functioning that are relevant to the development of an intervention. Method: A narrative review was conducted, synthesizing the findings of literature retrieved from 2000 to early 2016. Results: A total of 37 articles were included in the review. The articles varied considerably in terms of methodology and quality. The main influential aspects reported and identified were factors pertaining to the patient, factors intrinsic to the caregiver, relationship factors, and social support factors. Significance of Results: There is evidence to support the fact that caregivers have poorer outcomes when they care for patients with a more severe clinical profile, poorer emotional health or neurobehavioral concerns, or when the caregivers themselves struggle with adaptive problem-solving and coping skills. The availability and use of social support are also likely to be important for caregiver psychosocial outcomes. Further investigation is required to clarify the influence of changes in the relationship with the patient. Significant factors affecting the caregiver experience are considered in relation to their amenability to psychosocial intervention. Recommendations are made regarding the optimal features of future psychosocial intervention research.