The effectiveness of supportive management programs in caregivers of patients with heart failure: a systemartic review

Introduction Supportive management programs involving caregivers of heart failure (HF) patients may be beneficial not only for the patient, but also for the caregiver. This study aims to investigate the effectiveness of supportive management programs for caregivers in terms of quality of life (QoL), depressive and/or anxiety symptoms and caregivers’ burden. Methods A systematic review was conducted in order to identify interventional studies delivering supportive management programs to dyads and evaluating the effectiveness for caregivers in terms of their QoL, depressive symptoms and burden. A systematic search in PubMed, CINAHL, and the Cochrane Library was performed. Inclusion and exclusion criteria and the Preferred Reporting Items (PRISMA) statement checklist were used. Fourteen randomized (RCT’s) and interventional studies were included. Results Fourteen articles were included in the review from a pool of thirty-five papers. A large heterogeneity was observed among the studies regarding several aspects; the intervention as such (e.g psychological support, cognitive behavioral therapy), the duration of the follow- up period and the method that the intervention was delivered (e.g telephone conducts, home visits). Another striking feature was the variety of outcomes that were studied. The most common outcomes were: anxiety and depressive symptoms, burden and impaired quality of life. Conclusions Supportive care management programs are beneficial for both, the patients and the caregivers. It provides the supporting environment for the best possible results and outcomes and most importantly quality of life of the patients and the caregivers.