The influence of web‐based decision aids on informal caregivers of people with dementia: A systematic mixed‐methods review

Abstract

AbstractCaring for people with dementia is considered one of the most stressful and difficult forms of care. Informal caregivers constantly face high physical and emotional burdens. Therefore, it is essential to provide them with effective and practical support. Web‐based decision aids can provide convenient and effective decision support for informal caregivers. The aim of this study was to assess and synthesize the influence of web‐based decision aids on informal caregivers of people with dementia. Searches of electronic databases (CINAHL, MEDLINE, Web of Science Core Collection, Embase, PsycINFO, CNKI, Open Grey and Baidu Wenku) and reference lists of relevant studies were conducted in July 2022. Qualitative, quantitative and mixed‐methods studies published in Chinese and English on the use of web‐based decision aids by informal caregivers of people with dementia were included. The studies were selected by screening titles, abstracts and full texts, and the quality of each study was assessed by two researchers independently. Fourteen studies were published between 2010 and 2022, including five qualitative studies, four quantitative studies and five mixed‐methods studies. Web‐based decision aids have a positive influence on informal caregivers of people with dementia by providing decision support, satisfying needs, promoting psychological health, improving communication ability and reducing caregiver burden. Informal caregivers of people with dementia are receptive to web‐based decision aids and expect their functionality to be optimized further. Web‐based decision aids offer potential benefits to informal caregivers by providing effective decision‐making support and improving their psychological health and ability to communicate.