The Effects of Intervention for Stroke Survivors' Families by Rehabilitation Specialists: A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to acquire integrated views from previous studies on what interventions by rehabilitation specialists have led to the reduction of the care burden for stroke survivors' families.

Method: Reported randomized controlled trials concerning interventions for the care burden of stroke survivors' families by rehabilitation specialists were extracted from two electronic databases, and their content was assessed by a systematic review.

Results: Among the 11 analyzed studies, no studies focused on the stroke survivors' families. Studies reporting a reduction in the care burden were those comparing the presence of botulinum therapy and those comparing occupational therapy and non-intervention.

There were no significant differences in the care burden for stroke survivors' families between the interventions by rehabilitation specialists and standard rehabilitation.

Conclusion: Interventions for stroke survivor's families by rehabilitation specialists do not reduce the care burden in comparison with standard care.