The needs and experiences of caregivers of individuals with multiple sclerosis: a systematic review.
OBJECTIVE
To appraise recent studies regarding the needs and experiences of caregivers of individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS).


METHODS
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.
Rehabilitation Sciences Research Group, University of Ulster at Jordanstown, Newtownabbey, Co. Antrim, Northem Ireland, UK. lp.mckeown@ulster.ac.uk
L P
LP
McKeown
A P
AP
Porter-Armstrong
G D
GD
Baxter
D017028:Caregivers / Q000523:psychology*; D006801:Humans; D009103:Multiple Sclerosis / Q000145:classification*; D011788:Quality of Life; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D012944:Social Support; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires