Technology-based support for stroke caregiving: A rapid review of evidence

AIM This rapid review examines the technology-based interventions for caregivers of stroke proposed in the literature while also identifying the acceptance, effectiveness and satisfaction of the implemented approaches. BACKGROUND The increasing burden of supporting stroke survivors has resulted in caregivers searching for innovative solutions, such as technology-based interventions, to provide better care. Hence, its potential to support caregivers throughout the disease trajectory needs to be assessed. EVALUATION Five electronic databases were systematically searched for articles related to stroke caregiving technologies based on well-defined inclusion and exclusion criteria. KEY ISSUE(S) Fifteen articles met the inclusion criteria that focused on supporting caregivers through functionalities such as education, therapy and support, remote consultations, health assessments and logs and reminders using different devices. The majority of interventions demonstrated positive conclusions for caregiving impact, acceptance, effectiveness and satisfaction. CONCLUSION Findings highlight the influences of technology in improving stroke caregiving and the need to include user-centred design principles to create a meaningful, actionable and feasible system for caregivers. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING MANAGEMENT Technology can educate and support stroke caregivers, thereby minimizing uncertainty and ensuring better care for the survivor.