Consequences of clinical case management for caregivers: a systematic review

OBJECTIVE: Informal caregivers are deeply involved in the case management process. However, little is known about the consequences of such programs for informal caregivers. This systematic literature review, reported according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses statement, addressed the consequences of clinical case management programs, whether positive or negative, for caregivers of frail older persons or persons with dementia. METHODS: We systematically identified and analyzed published randomized trials and quasi-experimental studies comparing case management programs to usual care, which discussed outcomes concerning caregivers. RESULTS: Sixteen studies were identified, and 12 were included after quality assessment. Seven identified at least one positive result for caregivers, and no negative effect of case management has been found. Characteristics associated with positive results for caregivers were a high intensity of case management and programs specifically addressed to dementia patients. CONCLUSIONS: Despite the numerous methodological challenges in the assessment of such complex social interventions, our results show that case management programs can be beneficial for caregivers of dementia patients and that positive results for patients are achieved without increasing caregivers' burden.