Care Family Members Research Articles

User-Centered Design of Companion Robot Pets Involving Care Home Resident-Robot Interactions and Focus Groups With Residents, Staff, and Family: Qualitative Study.

BackgroundGlobally, pressure is increasing on health and social care resources due to the aging population and growing prevalence of dementia. Companion robots, such as Paro, demonstrate strong potential for helping reduce this pressure through reported benefits including reduced agitation, depression, loneliness, care provider burden, and medication use. However, we previously identified that user-centered design of robot pets is both essential and understudied. We observed that commonly used robot pets are poorly matched to end-user requirements, and that end users and developers of robot pets differ significantly in their perception of appropriate design. This may explain some of the contradictory outcome research and variance in results for robot pets, such as Paro.ObjectiveIn response to the literature gap, we aimed to provide user-centered insights into the design of robot pets from key stakeholders to inform future robot development and the choice of robots for real-world implementation and research. We focused on understanding user requirements.MethodsWe conducted a qualitative study with 65 participants from 5 care homes (26 care home residents, 29 staff members. and 10 family members). Care home residents formed groups of between 3 and 4 individuals and experienced free interactions with a range of 8 companion robots and toys, including Paro and more affordable alternatives. The robots provided had a range of esthetics, shell types, interactivity levels, and designs for comparison. Care staff and family members observed the interactions. All participants then engaged in focus groups within their stakeholder category to discuss preferences and user requirements in companion robot design. Both free interactions and focus groups were video and audio recorded, transcribed, and subjected to thematic analysis.ResultsCare home residents, family members, and staff were open and accepting of the use of companion robot pets, with the majority suggesting that they would keep a device for themselves or the residents. The most preferred device was the Joy for All cat, followed by the Joy for All dog. In discussions, the preferred design features included familiar animal embodiment (domestic pet), soft fur, interactivity, big appealing eyes, simulated breathing, and movements. Unfamiliar devices were more often seen as toy-like and suitable for children, producing some negative responses.ConclusionsThis work provides important and user-centered insights into future robot designs for care home residents by means of a comprehensive comparison with key stakeholders. This work strongly supports the use of familiar embodiment in future robot pet designs, with domestic cat and dog morphologies appearing most acceptable. The results have implications for future robot designs and the selection of robot pets for both research and real-world implementations.

Interim-Guidelines for COVID-19 Vaccination in Hematological Malignancies and Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant Recipients

Abstract: Objective: Hematologic malignancies such as Acute Leukemias, Myelodysplastic Syndromes (MDS), Myeloproliferative Neoplasms (MPNs), Lymphomas and Multiple Myeloma (MM) can be treated with chemotherapy, Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant (HSCT) or Chimeric Antigen Receptor T-cell (CAR-T) therapies with either a curative intent or to prolong survival. The hematologic malignancy itself or the anti-cancer therapies can result in long-term immunodeficiency; COVID-19 infection in this population is associated with a significantly higher risk of hospitalization and death [1]. Given lack of available data on COVID-19 vaccination from Pakistan, this guidance is based on the review of safety and efficacy of FDA and CDC approved vaccines for the prevention of COVID-19 disease and recommendations of European Society for Blood and Marrow Transplant (EBMT), American Society for Transplantation and Cellular Therapies (ASTCT) and British Society of Hematology (BSH) for the use of COVID vaccination in HSCT recipients and those with hematological malignancies. The American Society of Hematology (ASH), EBMT, ASTCT and BSH recommends the desired access to vaccines for this highly susceptible group along with care takers, family members, and domestic& everyday contacts when vaccine supply is available. Keywords: COVID-19 vaccination, Hematological malignancies, Hematopoietic stem cell transplant, mRNA vaccine, Acute leukemia, Chemotherapy.

Transgender and Gender Diverse Fertility Choices: Supporting the Decision-Making Process for Adolescents and Young Adults

To qualitatively examine the fertility-related decision making process of transgender and gender diverse (TGD) adolescents and young adults (AYAs) and their parents, in the setting of pursing gender affirming treatments. Twenty-five TGD AYAs and 6 parents of TGD AYAs participated in a focus group or individual semistructured interviews focused on participants' experience learning about the effects of gender affirming treatments on fertility as well as the process of making a fertility preservation decision. Using open coding, data were analyzed in an iterative process identifying emerging themes and relationships. A decisional satisfaction score was collected and/or coded for each participant. Four broad themes related to the decision-making process were identified: (1) Critical steps include awareness, gathering information, and conversations; (2) External constraints limit choices; (3) Expanding the conversation beyond preservation; and (4) Emotional distress, conflict, and decisional satisfaction. Despite reporting emotional distress or conflict during the decision, TGD AYAs and parents of TGD AYAs generally reported a high level of satisfaction with their fertility preservation decision. There are specific ways health care professionals and family members can support TGD AYAs in their fertility-related decision making process. Decisional satisfaction was common, regardless of whether TGD AYAs chose to pursue fertility preservation or not.

Visit restrictions highlight crucial role of family members in long-term care: The British Columbia experience.

The COVID-19 pandemic has created much-needed attention on long-term care in Canada. Public exposure of life in long-term care has generated tremendous public support for improvements that to a large extent focus on staffing and ageing infrastructure. However, the impact of visit restrictions on long-term care residents during the pandemic highlights the need for changes to how long-term care has traditionally viewed the role and value of family members. The Office of the Seniors Advocate of British Columbia published a report Staying Apart to Stay Safe that highlighted the impact of visit restrictions from the perspective of over 13,000 residents and family members directly affected. The results provide compelling evidence of the need for health leaders to re-evaluate current practice and embrace a more holistic role for family members of residents in long-term care.

Experiences of Family Members in Caring of Stroke Patients: A Case Study in the Border Provinces of the Upper Northeast of Thailand

BACKGROUND: Stroke patients require continued care, which makes stroke family caregivers unlikely to anticipate the end of home health-care service. AIM: The objectives of this study aimed, therefore, to seek understanding of stroke family caregivers in relation to caring experience, problems and barriers, and needs of family caregivers in the context of border provinces of the upper northeast of Thailand. METHODS: The current study was based on the phenomenological approach. The study samples included 16 informants. Data collection, conducted between February and August 2020, was performed using in-depth interviews. The collected data then were analyzed using the van Manen’s approach. RESULTS: Experiences of the stroke family caregivers were reflected and fell in van Manen’s 4 points under 12 thematic categories: (1) Lived body including lack of knowledge, fatigue, and sense of obligation; (2) lived time including paying gratitude, uncertainty, and paying retribution; (3) lived space including just long distance, being isolated in the wide world and living in a remote area; and (4) lived relation including blood thicker than water, community network, and needs from health-care services. CONCLUSION: The findings may be exploited to develop health service preparedness for health outcome promotion for stroke patients and stroke family caregivers.

The effect of a flexible family visit on nausea, vomiting, pain and physiological parameters after laparoscopic cholecystectomy in post-anesthesia care unit: A randomized controlled trial

BackgroundMoving towards more compassionate care approaches for patients, nursing care tends to involve family members in patient care. One of these approaches is the supportive presence of family at the patient's bedside. This study aimed to investigate the effect of family visit in post-anesthesia care unit on nausea, vomiting, pain and some physiological parameters after laparoscopic cholecystectomy. MethodsSixty patients were randomly divided into the intervention and control groups. Besides routine care, the intervention group was allowed to have the company of a family member at their bedside during the post anesthesia care. Then, physiological parameters, pain, nausea and vomiting of the patients were measured and analyzed using monitoring, visual analog scale and Rhodes questionnaire. ResultsNone of the parameters were significantly different between the two groups in the preoperative period. The means of systolic blood pressure and heart rate were significantly different between the two groups during post-anesthesia care (P = 0.02 and P = 0.01) and 30 min after entering the ward (P<0.001 and P = 0.01). Additionally, the intensity of pain and nausea was significantly lower during post-anesthesia care in the intervention group (P<0.001 and P = 0.006). ConclusionsIt appears that the presence of family at the patient's bedside during post-anesthesia care positively affects some physiological parameters as well as the intensity of pain and nausea in patients, thereby reducing their need for medication.

210 - Are visits allowed? The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on care home visitation and care delivery in the UK

Background:COVID-19 has caused the sudden closure of care homes to the outside world, to stem the virus from infecting some of the most vulnerable groups of people – older adults residing in care homes. With very little knowledge to date, we aimed to explore the impact of COVID-19 on care provision and visits in care homes from staff and family members’ perspectives.Methods:Care home staff and family carers of people living with dementia (PLWD) across the UK were recruited via convenience sampling and participated via telephone or Zoom. Participants took part in a semi-structured remote interview. Baseline data were collected between October and November 2020, and follow-up interviews were collected throughout March 2021. Anonymised transcripts were analysed separately by two research team members using thematic analysis, with codes discussed and themes generated jointly, supported by research team input.Results:42 participants (26 family carers and 16 care home staff) took part in the baseline interviews, and 20 purposefully sampled participants (11 family carers and 9 care home staff) were followed up. Prior to vaccination roll out in the UK, at baseline, family carers expressed concern about a lack of clear guidance throughout the pandemic, with care homes delivering care differently and disparities noted in the levels and types of visiting allowed for family members. Lack of communication between care homes and family members, but also government and care homes, led to family carers feeling excluded and concerned about the well-being of their relative. Data on follow-up interviews are still being analysed.Conclusions:This is the first empirical evidence to show how the pandemic has caused severe difficulties in providing adequate care for care home residents, with not only residents, but also care home staff and family carers being negatively affected. Follow-up data will shed light onto the impact of vaccination and eased visitation rights put in place since March 2021 on care delivery and connections between family carers and residents.

The Bridge’s Advance Directive Initiative for Adults With Serious Mental Illness

The Bridge’s Advance Directive Initiative for Adults With Serious Mental Illness

A qualitative comparison of care home staff and palliative care specialists’ experiences of providing end of life care to people living and dying with dementia in care homes in two countries: A focus group study

Background: Palliative care for people with dementia dying in care homes is an important aspect of long-term care. Whilst there is consensus about the principles of palliative care, less is known about how care home staff negotiate and influence decisions around end of life and how organisational context shapes that process. Aim: To explore the views and experiences of care home staff and palliative care specialists on end of life care in care homes and understand how care home settings affected palliative care provision in England and Australia. Design/participants: Eight focus groups in Australia and England with care home staff and palliative care specialists (n = 49). Reflexive thematic analysis was undertaken. Findings: Australian participants reported collaboration between care home staff, visiting professions and family members though case conferences. English participants discussed resident-focussed involvement from specialists that was less formally organised. Negotiating roles and responsibilities in end of life care; the importance of relationships to overcome deficiencies in formal processes; and the legitimacy and authority of advance care planning at times of crisis were recurring themes. The organisation and embedding of end of life care in processes and practices of care homes differed; this closely linked to care home procedures in Australia but was less apparent in England. Conclusion: In both countries, partnership working was recognised and valued as key to effective palliative care. Work that enables care home staff to identify challenges with visiting professionals, such as agreeing priorities for care and negotiating their shared responsibilities, may lead to context-sensitive, sustainable solutions.

“You were lying in limbo and you knew nothing”: a thematic analysis of the information needs of spinal cord injured patients and family members in acute care

Purpose To address the lack of research on the information needs of spinal cord injured (SCI) patients and family members in acute care, in order to inform the provision of appropriate information supports. Materials and methods Semi-structured interviews were conducted with seven traumatic SCI patients and six family members. Reflexive thematic analysis was used to analyse and interpret the data. Results Five themes were generated: (1) “You were lying in limbo and you knew nothing” describes how being situated in non-specialist acute care limited participants’ access to information; (2) “You’ll never walk again” is not enough describes the need for information about the effects of SCI and the management of secondary conditions; (3) “The delivery was awful” demonstrates the importance of information being explained clearly and empathically; (4) “It was going in one ear and out the other” highlights the need for ongoing conversations with healthcare professionals, as retaining information provided in the early stages post-injury is often difficult; and (5) “Hope” not “false hope” discusses the importance of giving patients and family members hope while simultaneously being realistic about potential recovery. Conclusions SCI patients and family members had significant unmet information needs in acute care. IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATION SCI patients and family members had significant unmet information needs while in acute care. Being in non-specialist acute care significantly limited most participants’ access to information. During the acute phase of care, most patients and family members would like to know the patient’s recovery prognosis, the impact of SCI on the patient’s functional independence, how to manage secondary complications, and what to expect in rehabilitation. As patients and family members often had difficulty absorbing information in the early stages post-injury, information should be continuously repeated, reinforced and clarified. HCPs should promote realistic hope for SCI patients and family members even in the absence of neurological recovery, by focusing on what the patient is still capable of while being honest about their prognosis.

Review Paper on E-Smart Watch for Early Detection of Covid-19

Smart watches have the potential to support health in everyday living by: enabling self-monitoring of personal activity; obtaining feedback based on activity measures; allowing for in-situ surveys to identify patterns of behavior; and supporting bi-directional communication with health care providers and family members. However, smart watches are an emerging technology and research with these devices is at a nascent stage. Seventy-three studies were returned in the search. Seventeen studies published were included. Included studies were published from 2014 to 2016, with the exception of one published in 2011. Most studies employed the use of consumer-grade smart watches (14/17, 82%). Patient-related studies focused on activity monitoring, heart rate monitoring, speech therapy adherence, diabetes self-management, and detection of seizures, tremors, scratching, eating, and medication-taking behaviors. Most patient-related studies enrolled participants with few exclusion criteria to validate smart watch function (10/17, 58%). Smart watch technical function, acceptability, and effectiveness in supporting health must be validated in larger field studies that enroll actual participants living with the conditions these devices target.

Lived Experiences of Diabetes Patients in Rural Areas of Ghana: Discovering the Forces that Determine Psychosocial Care

Aim: Diabetes has been identified to cause prolonged ill health in many people living in rural communities in Ghana where access to health care delivery appears to be inadequate and of low quality due to financial constraints, limited health resources, poor road network, low literacy levels and limited access to specialist care. Individuals diagnosed with diabetes often express varied psychological and emotional imbalances. Therefore, immediate psychosocial care is needed to prevent patients living in rural areas from getting into severe depression mode and other mental health complications. Yet, understanding how people diagnosed with diabetes should react in order to prevent severe psychological implications has not been adequately explored in Ghana. This study explored the lived experiences of diabetes patients living in rural areas of the Eastern Region of Ghana with the aim of discovering the forces that determine appropriate psychosocial care for patients.&#x0D; Study Design: Using the Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA), 31 diabetes patients were purposively selected from four hospitals in the region, and interviewed using a semi-structured interview guide to investigate participants’ perceptions, thoughts, feelings, and experiences about the disease and how the participants own experiences could be used to construct a framework of immediate care applicable in their own social certain.&#x0D; Results: The study generated themes along productive and unproductive lines to demonstrate the lived experiences of diabetes patients. Psycho-emotional reactions, psychological shock and emotional outbursts constitute unproductive forces. This caused some of the patients to express suicidal ideations at the extreme point. On the other hand, individual resilience and disposition, guidance and support from care providers, family and community members constitute the productive forces that provide an appropriate framework for psychosocial care for diabetes patients.&#x0D; Conclusion: The study has shown the need to adequately address the psychological and emotional needs of diabetes patients to prevent extreme forms of psychological distress (anxiety and depression). The authors, therefore, recommend an integrated care model for diabetes patients’ in rural areas that encompass a psychosocial therapy built around the primary healthcare concept with the establishment of counseling units in all Primary Health Care facilities. This will offer a platform to generate personal and community actions and decisions to adequately address the immediate psychological and emotional needs of diabetes patients in rural areas.

Stakeholders’ perceptions of family-centred care in the intensive care unit: An associative group analysis

AimTo explore different stakeholders’ including nurses, health care professionals and family member’s perceptions of ideal family-centred care in an intensive care unit. Research design and methodsWe used a mixed method approach to identify perceptions of family-centred care with 60 stakeholders of equal numbers who voluntarily participated in the study. Data were collected over one month using an associative group analysis method. The responses were ranked, scored, thematically themed and weighted. SettingA 23 bed adult intensive care unit in an urban private hospital in South Africa. FindingsAccording to the stakeholders’ responses, ideal family-centred care should be built around communication based on expectations and engagement. In addition, the physical environment should allow for overall comfort and spiritual care must be incorporated. ConclusionStakeholders had similar perceptions on the main themes however; nuances of different perspectives were identified showing some of the complexities related to family-centred care. Spiritual care was highlighted by the family members, revealing the need to broaden the care perspectives of healthcare providers.

Dementia in people with severe or profound intellectual (and multiple) disabilities: Focus group research into relevance, symptoms and training needs.

BackgroundDifferentiating dementia from baseline level of functioning is difficult among people with severe/profound intellectual (and multiple) disabilities. Moreover, studies on observable dementia symptoms are scarce. This study examined (a) the relevance of dementia diagnosis, (b) observable symptoms and (c) training/information needs.MethodsFour explorative focus groups were held with care professionals and family members who have experience with people with severe/profound intellectual (and multiple) disabilities (≥40 years) and decline/dementia.ResultsThematic analysis showed that participants wanted to know about a dementia diagnosis for a better understanding and to be able to make informed choices (question 1). Using a categorisation matrix, cognitive and behavioural changes were shown to be most prominent (question 2). Participants indicated that they needed enhanced training, more knowledge development and translation, and supportive organisational choices/policies (question 3).ConclusionsTimely identifying/diagnosing dementia allows for a timely response to changing needs. This requires a better understanding of symptoms.

Self-perceived health among children with spina bifida in the West Bank: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundChildren born with spina bifida endure constant physical disability, which is challenging for themselves and their families. To date, the impact of spina bifida on the health-related quality of life (HRQOL; eg, physical, psychological, and social wellbeing) of these children has been assessed mainly through parent proxy reports, and self-perceived health among these children is rarely measured. This study aimed to measure self-perceived health in children with spina bifida in the West Bank, to compare this with that in a healthy reference group also from the West Bank, and to assess the potential association between self-perceived health and the level of disability in children with spina bifida. MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted in the West Bank. The Paediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL) was administered to a convenience sample of 200 children aged 8–12 years, of whom 50 have spina bifida and 150 are healthy. For the children with spina bifida, their disability was categorised and ranked according to four aspects of impairment (mobility, bowel function, bladder function, and hydrocephaly). Data were analysed with SPSS version 24. Difference in PedsQL scores between the two groups of children was tested with the Mann-Whitney U-test. The Spearman's rank correlation coefficient was used to evaluate the association between the level of physical impairment in children with spina bifida and their self-perceived health. Written informed consent was obtained from the children's parents. The children's verbal assent was also obtained, and their right to withdraw from the study at any time was emphasised. FindingsChildren with spina bifida had lower overall PedsQL scores (mean 45·5, SD 14.5) than those reported by the reference group of healthy children (mean 80·0, SD 12·8). For children with spina bifida, social functioning had the lowest mean score (30·5, SD 20·8), followed by physical functioning (37·5, SD 16.6), emotional functioning (56·0, SD 17·2), and school functioning (62·6, SD 17.8), whereas the range for all of the PedsQL scores in the reference group was 71·7–84·5. The results demonstrate significant inverse associations between self-perceived health (overall PedsQL score) in children with spina bifida and both the level of mobility impairment (rs=−0·65, p<0·0001) and the presence of hydrocephalus (rs=−0·53, p<0·0001). A weak inverse association was found between self-perceived health and both bladder and bowel dysfunction. For both groups, no associations were found between demographic characteristics (age, gender, type of settlement of residence [city, village, camp]) and self-perceived health. InterpretationThe findings provide insights into the importance of social support and rehabilitation services for children with spina bifida in the occupied Palestinian territory. In particular, community awareness, and education of health care providers and family members, may be important. FundingNone.

Work environment and person-centred dementia care in nursing homes-A cross-sectional study.

AimThis study aims to explore the relationship between work environment, job characteristics and person‐centred care for people with dementia in nursing homes.BackgroundPerson‐centred care approaches have become a dominant indicator for good quality of care in nursing homes. Little is known about the relationship between work environment, job characteristics and person‐centred care in nursing homes.Method(s)Cross‐sectional data from the LAD study were used. Direct care staff (n = 552) of nursing homes (n = 49) filled an online questionnaire about work environment characteristics and person‐centred care. To examine relationships, multilevel linear regression analyses were conducted.ResultsAssociations were found between a higher transformational leadership style, less social support from a leader, a higher unity in philosophy of care, higher levels of work satisfaction, more development opportunities, better experienced teamwork and staff‐reported person‐centred care.Conclusion(s)In a complex nursing home environment, person‐centred care is influenced by organisational and work characteristics, shared values and interpersonal relationships.Implications for NursingLeaders may consider facilitating collaboration and creating unity between care staff, clients and family members in order to provide person‐centred care. Therefore, a transformational leadership style, educational programmes and coaching for leaders are recommended.

Intimacy for older adults in long-term care: a need, a right, a privilege—or a kind of care?

BackgroundTo investigate attitudes of staff, residents and family members in long-term care towards sex and intimacy among older adults, specifically the extent to which they conceptualise sex and intimacy as...

Postoperative Nosocomial COVID-19 Infection in Cardiac Surgery: An Uncommon Event With High Mortality Rate

BackgroundThe COVID-19 pandemic has had a major impact on cardiac surgery patients. Significant reductions in access to surgical treatment have forced surgeons to prioritise patients and follow strict COVID-19 protocols to protect surgeons, staff, and patients. Adult cardiac surgery and the COVID-19 pandemic: aggressive infection mitigation strategies are necessary in the operating room and surgical recovery. Nosocomial infections among cardiac surgery patients have been reported and are associated with a high mortality rate. As a COVID-19 tertiary care centre and a tertiary cardiac centre, we tried to balance the need to operate on urgent cardiac cases while protecting patients and staff from COVID-19. MethodsDuring the first wave of the pandemic, we performed 579 surgeries. We report findings from an outbreak of 4 nosocomial infections. ResultsAll patients tested negative within 24 hours of surgery or admission. Three patients were positive after surgery, suggesting an overall nosocomial rate during the first wave of 0.5% (3/579). One patient admitted for evaluation tested positive during mass screening. Two of the 4 patients died after respiratory complications. No health care worker (HCW) or family member with direct contact with these patients tested positive for COVID-19. Nosocomial COVID-19 infection is uncommon when adhering to safety protocols. Although uncommon, the mortality rate is high (50%) in our series. ConclusionsAs widespread vaccination of HCWs and high-risk individuals susceptible to COVID-19 is in progress, we suggest that cardiac surgery patients, when feasible, be vaccinated before surgery given this could prevent excess mortality, protect HCWs and reduce resource use.

Barriers to Cooperation With Family Members in Psychiatric Care in Turkey: Perspectives of Health Professionals and Family Caregivers.

Cooperation between families of individuals with mental illnesses and mental health professionals is very important for the quality of mental health care, and there are many barriers to the establishment of cooperation between mental health professionals and families. It is highly important to identify/define barriers to cooperation between families and health professionals from a cultural perspective. The present study was aimed at identifying barriers to cooperation between mental health professionals and families from the perspectives of mental health professionals and family caregivers in Turkey. In the sample of this descriptive qualitative study, 12 family caregivers and 11 health professionals were included. The results of the study indicated seven themes regarding the perceptions of family caregivers and mental health professionals. The themes related to perceptions of family caregivers about barriers are as follows: "learning the process by living," the perception of "my patient comes first," and the perception of "being neglected." The themes related to perceptions of mental health professionals about barriers are as follows: "lack of collaboration within the team," "family itself as a barrier," and "lack of education about working with families." The common theme mentioned by both groups included the "patient-oriented service understanding." The results obtained from this study are believed to be a guide for planning and implementing interventions to eliminate the barriers defined from the perspectives of both mental health professionals and family caregivers. Both mental health professionals and family caregivers need psychosocial interventions for strengthening "family cooperation."

Deciphering the role of physical activity in stress management during a global pandemic in older adult populations: a systematic review protocol

BackgroundThe world has changed dramatically since the beginning of 2020 due to COVID-19. As a result of the pandemic, many older adults are now experiencing an increased and unprecedented amount of psychological stress. Physical activity has been found to be an evidence-based means of combating stress among older adults to promote their quality of life. Studies have demonstrated that those who are physically active experience fewer issues in regard to their mental health, specifically depression and anxiety disorders. Engagement in physical activity may exert a protective influence over stress inducing events and future mental health outcomes. Due to exercise being inexpensive, non-invasive, and effective even via incremental increases in activity level, physical activity interventions should be investigated as a therapy for reducing stress for older adults during the current pandemic.MethodsFour electronic databases (PubMed, PsycInfo, Web of Science, and SportDiscus) will be searched to identify randomized controlled trials that evaluate the effectiveness of physical activity or exercise programs as a psychological stress management tool in adults 50 years of age or older. Only peer-reviewed and published journal articles will be reviewed. Post-intervention psychological stress measures in comparison to baseline stress will be the primary outcome of interest. All studies will be assessed for bias using Cochrane’s risk of bias tool. A random effects meta-analysis will be investigated if sufficient evidence of homogenous research exists and the heterogeneity of effect sizes will be tabulated.DiscussionThis review will determine the effectiveness of various physical activity interventions for the treatment of psychological stress among the older adult population. This knowledge will help inform care aides, clinicians, family members, and older adults themselves of the most effective physical activity interventions in dealing with stress which is relevant to the ongoing pandemic.Systematic review registrationPROSPERO CRD42020192546