Clin Rehabil 2003 May;17(3):234-48
McKeown LP, Porter-Armstrong AP, Baxter GD.
Rehabilitation Sciences Research Group, University of Ulster at Jordanstown,
Newtownabbey, Co. Antrim, Northem Ireland, UK.
PRIMARY OBJECTIVE:
To appraise recent studies regarding the needs and experiences of caregivers of individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS).
DESIGN:
The following computerized databases were searched: CINAHL, BIDS IBSS, ASSIA, MEDLINE, PSYCHINFO, British Nursing Index, ISI Web of Science, Zetoc, AMED (1990-April 2002).
The computer-based search was supplemented by manual searches of the reference lists of all retrieved studies and review articles.
Inclusion and exclusion criteria were formulated.
RESULTS:
Twenty-four studies from across the world that met the inclusion criteria were reviewed.
The majority of studies were descriptive in nature.
The studies covered a variety of topics, including how carers assist people with MS, the effect of providing care on a carer's physical and psychological well-being, social life, financial situation and overall quality of life, and how carers cope with the stresses of providing care.
CONCLUSIONS:
Providing care for a person with MS has a major impact on all areas of the caregiver's life.
Perceived social support has been shown to have a beneficial impact on the caregiver.
Limitations in design and variation in methodology of studies limits the generalizability of findings.
There is a need for further research, in particular the development of reliable and valid disease-specific caregiver assessment instruments.