The Effectiveness and Characteristics of Communication Partner Training Programs for Families of People With Dementia: A Systematic Review
Gerontologist
Folder, N., Power, E., et al. (2024).
Gerontologist, 64(4), 1-19.
This systemative review investigates the characteristics of communication partner training programs as well as their overall effects for people with dementia and their care partners.
Australian Government Research Training Program Scholarship
Not specified
Quantitative and qualitative studies
30
<div>Findings demonstrated that communication partner training programs were generally associated with positive outcomes for communication skills (e.g., care partner use of communication strategies, conversation skills) and knowledge, while outcomes regarding behavioral (e.g., agitation, antisocial behaviors) and psychosocial (e.g., family strain, depression) outcomes were mixed. Limitations to this review include varying quality of included studies, small sample sizes, and heterogeneity regarding intervention characteristics.</div>
<div>People with dementia and their care partners generally reported positive experiences of communication partner training programs, with communication strategies being "beneficial and easily integrated into daily life" (p. 19). Qualitative reports from participants additionally noted:</div>
<ul>
<li><span style="color: #333333;">talking more overall for longer periods of time about a greater variety of tropics;</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #333333;">greater engagement with their loved ones with dementia;</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #333333;">increase insight and understanding of dementia;</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #333333;">improved self-worth and confidence; </span></li>
<li><span style="color: #333333;">greater awareness and acceptance of cognitive changes; and</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #333333;">reduced irritability and stress for the care partner. </span></li>
</ul>
