Background and Objectives Informal (or family) caregivers to older adults with Alzheimer’s disease or other related dementias (ADRD) could greatly benefit from innovative telecaregiving systems that support caregiving from a distance. The objective of this review is to better understand: 1) who is involved in telecaregiving and their experiences; 2) the interventions currently available to support ADRD telecaregiving; and 3) the outcomes measured to assess the effects of ADRD telecaregiving interventions. Research Design and Methods A mapping review was conducted by systematically searching MEDLINE, CINAHL, Embase, and PsycINFO for all works published in English from 2002-2022. References of included publications were searched to identify additional empirical publications for inclusion. Results 61 publications (describing 48 studies and five non-study sources) were included in the review. Currently available information on the demographics, experiences, challenges, and benefits of ADRD telecaregivers is summarized. We found that interventions to support telecaregiving could be classified into seven categories of technological interventions and three categories of non-technological interventions. Empirical studies on ADRD telecaregiving interventions investigated a variety of outcomes, the most prevalent being user experience. Discussion and Implications We conclude that: 1) The paucity of literature on telecaregiving does not allow for a comprehensive understanding of the needs and day-to-day activities of ADRD telecaregivers; 2) interventions developed to support ADRD telecaregiving may not fully meet the needs of caregivers or care recipients; and 3) there is insufficient rigorous research establishing the effects of telecaregiving interventions on key ADRD-related outcomes.
Background Little is known about the strategies utilized by family caregivers managing medications for their children with special healthcare needs (CSHCN), those who require higher than normal care due to their multifaceted healthcare needs. Medication management strategies are a set of methods or techniques developed or adapted by caregivers to overcome medication‐related barriers and ensure successful therapeutic outcomes. An in‐depth understanding of such strategies is a requisite first step toward developing interventions that support caregiver‐mediated medication management. Methods We conducted semi‐structured qualitative interviews with 20 family caregivers of CSHCN who were recruited as part of a community engaged research between Purdue University College of Pharmacy and Indiana Family to Family. Interviews were conducted through zoom and audio recorded. Each participant was provided with a $50 honorarium. Interviews were professionally transcribed and content analyzed to generate categories of medication management strategies. Results Five overarching categories of medication management strategies were identified. These included (1) medications, supplies and equipment inventory management; (2) organizing and tracking medications, supplies and equipment; (3) medication‐related communication, coordination and engagement; (4) medication administration and (5) researching and learning about medications. Within each category, caregivers developed or adapted specific strategies to overcome barriers in diverse care contexts (e.g., when interacting with healthcare systems, school staff or other members of their household). Conclusion These findings can inform current clinical practice through improved awareness of different strategies employed by caregivers and lay a foundation to develop interventions designed to support caregiver mediated medication management.
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