Technological Innovations to Support Family Caregivers: A Scoping Review

Overview

Journal Healthcare (Basel)

Specialty Health Services

Date 2024 Dec 17

PMID 39684972

Authors

Laura Fernandez-Bueno

Dolores Torres-Enamorado

Ana Bravo-Vazquez

Cleofas Rodriguez-Blanco

Carlos Bernal-Utrera

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Introduction: Population aging increases the risk of dependency among older adults, which in turn necessitates care, primarily provided by family caregivers. This situation leads to physical and emotional strain on these caregivers. New technologies, such as tele-education, digital platforms, or mobile applications, can offer an accessible and equitable alternative for caregiver training and self-care support.

Objective: The objective of this review is to analyze interventions targeted at family caregivers, both for their own self-care and for the care of dependent individuals, using new technologies.

Design: A scoping review was conducted, including a total of thirty-two articles extracted from three databases: CINAHL, Scopus, and PubMed. Articles in any language were included, with no fixed time limit, while articles with samples that included family caregivers of oncology patients were excluded.

Results: Most of the interventions were conducted via videoconference, showing outcomes that indicated a reduction in depressive symptoms among family caregivers.

Conclusions: The implementation of new technologies for the development of interventions presents a viable alternative to in-person sessions. These technologies have shown positive results, while also helping to overcome time and geographical barriers imposed by caregiving responsibilities.

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