Increasing Confidence and Mental Health in Caregivers

Abstract

The purpose of our critically appraised topic is to synthesize the highest-level evidence available regarding interventions for increasing confidence and mental health outcomes in caregivers taking loved ones home from inpatient rehabilitation. The final portfolio contains six research articles from peer-reviewed journals. Study designs include randomized control trials, a systematic review, and a pretest-posttest without a control group. All studies relate directly to the components of the PICO question. Four of the articles discussed both caregiver confidence and mental health while two articles discussed only mental health. There is strong evidence to support that in-person hands on training, in person discussion-based training, and/or virtual resources helped increase confidence in caregivers of patients. There is mixed evidence and only limited improvement to support mental health. The findings from this critically appraised topic will be used to draft new ideas for practice guidelines for addressing caregiver education and caregiver mental health in an inpatient rehabilitation facility.