Article of the month June

For the publication of the month June 2018, the website committee selected the article published by

Hopwood J, Walker N, McDonagh L, Rait G, Walters K, Iliffe S, Ross J, Davies N. Internet-Based Interventions Aimed at Supporting Family Caregivers of People With Dementia: Systematic Review. J Med Internet Res 2018;20(6):e216. DOI: 10.2196/jmir.9548

This mixed-methods review explored the key components of internet-based interventions to support family caregivers of people with dementia, looked at which components were most valued by caregivers, and considered the evidence of effectiveness. Identified digital interventions focused on (1) contact with health or social care providers, (2) peer interaction, (3) provision of information, (4) decision support, and (5) psychological support. This review seems to highlight the promising potential for the use of internet-based interventions by caregivers, though the evidence base for internet-based interventions for caregivers remains limited. There is a need for high-quality research, with a particular focus on the development of interventions targeting specific stages in the dementia trajectory, as most identified interventions were broad and generic.