Systematic review of dyadic psychoeducational programs for persons with dementia and their family caregivers

Synthesising evidence for effects of dyadic psychoeducational support programs on both people with dementia and their caregivers' health and well-being.

There is an increasing need for psychoeducational support programs for people with dementia and their caregivers; therefore, it is important to identify the benefits and practical implications of the programs on the dyads.

Guided by Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) methodology, and Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) framework, a systematic search of literature was conducted on dyadic psychoeducational programs published in English between January 2012 and January 2021 from four electronic databases.

Twenty-four studies evaluating 27 psychoeducational programmes were included in this review. Programs varied in activity types, intensity and duration. Outcome effects on people with dementia were grouped into seven categories: quality of life, cognitive function, psychological and mental health, physical health, changed behaviours, communication and relationship, institutionalisation or mortality. Outcome effects on caregivers were grouped into six: psychological and mental health, quality of life, impact of caregiving, communication and relationship, physical health, and competency. Dyadic psychoeducational programs which were goal oriented and tailored to address individual needs had consistent benefits on various aspects of health and quality of life for the dyads.

Multicomponent psychoeducational support programs combined with addressing individual needs, identifying goals and providing support to attain specific outcomes are recommended. Given the progressive deterioration of people with dementia, and the increased needs for homecare by family members, delivering long-term, support programs are recommended to maintain the positive effects on the dyads.

The findings contribute to dementia-care provision and policy making and inform the development of person-centred interventions and governance.

This systematic review was a part of a larger service evaluation project which involved a dementia consumer advisory group.