Qualitative studies of psychosocial interventions for dementia: a systematic review

Authors:
DUGMORE Ottilie, ORELL Martin, SPECTOR Aimee
Journal article citation:
Aging and Mental Health, 19(11), 2015, pp.955-967.
Publisher:
Taylor and Francis

Objectives: Whilst a range of psychosocial interventions are used for people with dementia, there lacks evidence for the processes which underpin them. Systematic reviews focus on quantitative studies and there is a lack of qualitative reviews in the area. This review explores what existing qualitative studies reveal about the implementation, effects and processes of psychosocial interventions for dementia. Method: A systematic literature search was conducted using Psychinfo and Embase. The grey literature was also searched, using Google Scholar. A total of 363 studies were identified. Sixteen studies were found to meet the inclusion criteria and assessed for quality using pre-specified criteria. Thematic analysis was used to synthesise the findings. Results: Types of psychosocial interventions selected included music therapy, group psychotherapy and counselling, reminiscence therapy and life story work, multi-sensory environments, horticultural therapy, support groups, and psychoeducation. Despite the diversity of the interventions there were common themes in relation to (1) contextual and individual factors affecting the implementation and delivery of the intervention, individual factors including attitudes and beliefs of staff, carers and people living with dementia (2) perceived impact or outcomes of the interventions and (3) the processes active in achieving these effects. Study quality was adequate but variable. Conclusion: Common processes may underlie different psychosocial interventions for dementia. The synthesis of qualitative findings can offer insight into what makes interventions ‘work’ and factors which may facilitate or impede their use. (Edited publisher abstract)

Subject terms:
psychosocial intervention, dementia, qualitative research, outcomes, psychotherapy;
Content type:
systematic review
Link:
Journal home page
ISSN online:
1364-6915
ISSN print:
1360-7863

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