Eligible for inclusion were randomised controlled trials (RCTs) or pseudo-RCTs that evaluated the effects of psychosocial interventions for family caregivers on the psychosocial well-being, physical health, and quality of life of stroke survivors living in the community after discharge from hospital treatment and their stroke family caregivers. Secondary outcomes of interest included family functioning, satisfaction with healthcare services, and hospital re-admission of stroke survivors. Prospective observational studies, historical cohort studies, and pre- and post-test studies were also considered. Participants had to be aged 18 years or older. A wide range of psychosocial interventions were eligible. Further selection criteria details were reported in the paper.
Approximately half of the included studies were conducted in the USA, and others were carried out worldwide (one in the UK) from 1988 to 2010. Settings included acute inpatient, home, community, and the transitional phase between inpatient to community. The mean age of caregivers ranged from 47.9 years to 71.3 years; most were women who were the spouse of stroke survivors. The mean age of stroke survivors ranged from 61.1 years to 74.4 years; most were male and were recovering from their first stroke (where reported). Interventions included psychoeducation (involving information provision with caregiving skills training, physical exercise training, or therapeutic weekend), counselling, or social support group. Further details (including intervention providers and dose) were reported in the paper. Various outcome measures were used.
The authors did not state how many reviewers carried out the study selection.