Effectiveness of the Family-Centred Empowerment Model on Informal Caregivers of People With Chronic Diseases: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

J Clin Nurs. 2025 Jul 1. doi: 10.1111/jocn.70006. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: To investigate the effects of the Family-Centred Empowerment Model on informal caregivers on individuals with chronic diseases.

BACKGROUND: The Family-Centred Empowerment Model may help address informal caregivers’ challenges in chronic disease management, including caregiver burden. However, its effectiveness for informal caregivers of chronic disease patients remains unclear.

DESIGN: Systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials and quasi-experimental studies.

METHODS: The review followed the PRISMA 2020 guidelines. A comprehensive search was conducted in EMBASE, PubMed, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, CINAHL, CNKI, SinoMed and Wanfang Data from their inception to January 2024. Two investigators independently evaluated study quality using the Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool and the Joanna Briggs Institute checklist.

RESULTS: This review included 22 studies. The meta-analysis demonstrated that the Family-Centred Empowerment Model significantly reduced caregiver burden, stress and anxiety. Subgroup analyses further revealed a positive effect on reducing caregiver burden across both paediatric and adult patient populations. Additionally, the intervention’s effect on caregiver burden remained significant for 1-3 months following the intervention. While the model did not significantly affect the pooled outcome for care ability, subgroup analyses indicated that the model was more effective at improving care ability 3 weeks post-intervention compared to immediately after the intervention.

CONCLUSION: The Family-Centred Empowerment Model for informal caregivers of chronic disease patients may help reduce caregiver burden, stress and anxiety, while gradually improving care ability. However, it has no significant effect on depression or family function.

RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: The review provides valuable evidence to guide clinicians in implementing the Family-Centred Empowerment Model for informal caregivers of chronic disease patients. By applying this model, caregivers can reduce burdens, stress and anxiety while enhancing their care abilities.

NO PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION: As a systematic review and meta-analysis, these details did not apply to our work.

TRIAL REGISTRATION: PROSPERO (CRD42024505357).

PMID:40592777 | DOI:10.1111/jocn.70006