Healthy together: A systematic review of theory and techniques used in health interventions for persons with chronic neurological conditions and their caregivers.

Abstract

To evaluate the level of theory application and use of behaviour change techniques (BCTs) in dyadic health interventions for persons with chronic neurological conditions (CNCs) and their caregivers. A systematic review of five databases was conducted to locate articles published before January 2019. Methodological quality was assessed, study characteristics, theory application and BCTs were narratively summarized. More than half of the studies identified (59% [16/27]) did not mention theory, and only 22% (6/27) were explicitly theory-based. Across the 27 studies, two to 17 BCTs (mean = 6.8 ± 4.02) were used. Common BCTs were related to intervention implementation (e.g., credible source), knowledge (e.g., instruction on how to perform behaviour) and skill development (e.g., behavioural practice/rehearsal). Researchers need to incorporate theory-based dyadic techniques that target both people with CNCs and their caregivers into the design and implementation of future health interventions. Health professionals require explicitly theory-based interventions to provide dyads with CNCs techniques that they can apply in their daily life to the benefit of each individual and the partnership.