The Buffering Effect of a Computer Support Network on Caregiver Strain

Abstract

ComputerLink was a computer support network for family caregivers of people with Alzheimer's disease. In a 12-month experiment, 102 caregivers were randomly assigned to an experimental group that had access to ComputerLink or to a control group that did not. This investigation examined whether caregivers in the experimental group had greater reductions in four types of care-related strain by the end of the 1-year study. ComputerLink reduced certain types of strain if caregivers also had larger informal support networks, were spouses, or did not live alone with their care receivers. More frequent use of the communication function was related to significantly reduced strain for caregivers who were initially more stressed and for non-spouse caregivers. Greater use of the information function was related to significantly lower strain among caregivers who lived alone with care receivers. Overall, ComputerLink appeared to be an effective tool for reducing strain for some caregivers.

Virtual Visitation in the Neonatal Intensive Care: Experience with the Use of Internet and Telemedicine in a Tertiary Neonatal Unit

“…The study by Bass et al of patients with Alzheimer disease found that computer support networks were heavily used by patients' family caregivers and significantly reduced stress among caregivers. 6 The study by Gray et al of the use of Internet and telecommunication to improve care of highrisk infants demonstrated a high Internet-use rate, with the majority initiating viewing sessions from home. 2,7 Other studies have also identified valuable success with the use of telemedicine technologies in the care of pediatric patients.…”

Technology-patient interactions: Internet use for gaining a healthy context for living with an implantable cardioverter defibrillator

“…In another experimental study, 102 Alzheimer-patient caregivers were randomly assigned to an experimental ComputerLink and control group, which revealed a "buffering effect" by the computer support on caregiver strain experienced by nonspousal caregivers with pre-existing strong support networks. 34 In another intervention study, the Comprehensive Health Enhancement Support System was used to support 51 elderly women with breast cancer seeking social support and treatment information 35 and for 204 patients with human immunodeficiency virus 36 to improve their quality of life and promote more efficient use of health care services. In these studies, the Comprehensive Health Enhancement Support System provided information, decision support, and access to experts and other patients.…”

Changes in psychosocial distress in outpatients with heart failure with implantable cardioverter defibrillators

“…75,76 Discussion boards have been used successfully to provide emotional and social support. [77][78][79][80] …”