Scale of Assessment of Caregiver Care Burden of People With Dementia: A Systematic Review of Literature.
Veronica Strini, Angela Prendin, Valentina Cerrone, Roberta Schiavolin, Ilaria de Barbieri, Vincenzo Andretta, Luigi Fortino, Biagio Santella, Gianluigi Franci, Mario Capunzo, Giovanni Boccia
Author Information
Veronica Strini: Clinical Research Unit, University-Hospital of Padua, Padua, Italy.
Angela Prendin: Palliative Care and Antalgic Therapy/Pediatric Hospice, University-Hospital of Padua, Padua, Italy.
Valentina Cerrone: A.O.U. San Giovanni di Dio e Ruggi D'Aragona, U.O.C. Oncology, 84131 Salerno, Italy.
Roberta Schiavolin: Continuity of Care Service-University-Hospital of Padua, Padua, Italy.
Ilaria de Barbieri: Department of Health Professions, University Hospital of Padua, Padua, Italy.
Vincenzo Andretta: A.O.U. San Giovanni di Dio e Ruggi D'Aragona, U.O.C. Hospital Hygiene and Epidemiology, 84131 Salerno, Italy.
Luigi Fortino: Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry, University of Salerno, 84081 Salerno, Italy.
Biagio Santella: Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry, University of Salerno, 84081 Salerno, Italy.
Gianluigi Franci: Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry, University of Salerno, 84081 Salerno, Italy.
Mario Capunzo: A.O.U. San Giovanni di Dio e Ruggi D'Aragona, U.O.C. Hospital Hygiene and Epidemiology, 84131 Salerno, Italy.
Giovanni Boccia: A.O.U. San Giovanni di Dio e Ruggi D'Aragona, U.O.C. Hospital Hygiene and Epidemiology, 84131 Salerno, Italy.
Cases of dementia have increased significantly in recent years. The family represents the main cornerstone of assistance to the elderly suffering from dementia, in particular the caregiver. Family members who take on the role of caregiver are subjected to physical, psychological, emotional, social and financial stress, which can be conceptualised with the term "burden". The aim of this study was to investigate which tools are best suited to measure the type of burden based on the type of dementia for each caregiver. A literature search was undertaken in MEDLINE, CINHAL and The Cochrane Database in September 2022, including articles from the last 20 years and using a combination of keywords and defined inclusion criteria. This literature review has been performed according to the PRISMA statement. From a total of 116 articles regarding the use of burden rating scales for caregivers, 18 scales were selected. The review provides a useful overview of burden assessment scales, classified into three categories, one-dimensional, multidimensional, or distinct concept with a subjective and objective component, in order to adopt appropriate strategies to assess caregiver burden and improve the quality of their health, both in the community and in hospitals. Indeed, the domestic context is the most studied as there is a greater risk of developing the burden of the caregiver: for this reason, some scales include the assessment of both the caregiver and the patient receiving treatment.
