What characterizes studies on social support groups for next of kin of persons with dementia? A qualitative systematic review

ABSTRACT

Aim

The aim of this qualitative systematic review was to produce knowledge according to the research question: What characterizes scientific studies on social support programmes/interventions for next of kin of persons with dementia and how can these characteristics be understood.

method

The used was a systematic search of seven databases of peer-reviewed journals from 2006 to 2018. The search strategy identified 30 relevant studies: 16 exploring participation in support groups only, and 14 exploring support groups as one of several support options for next of kin.

Results

show benefits from support programmes/interventions with different content and structure. Further, the importance of individualized, tailored and contextual support is emphasized.

conclusion

The conclusion points to the importance of a multidimensional understanding of social support, including access to different kinds of support tailored to the unique situation of every family. There is particularly a need for further research exploring qualities of group dynamics and leadership in support group programmes/interventions for next of kin of people with dementia.

KEYWORDS:

• Social support
• dementia
• next of kin
• tailored support
• review

Author contributions

Kirsten Jæger Fjetland and Miroslava Tokovska conceived and designed the study. Both authors contributed to the acquisition, analysis, and interpretation of data, and to drafting the article and critically revising for important intellectual content. All authors approved the final version of the manuscript and agreed to be accountable for all aspects of the work.

Disclosure statement

The authors report no conflicts of interest in this work.