Person-centered health intervention programs provided at home to older adults with multimorbidities and their caregivers: a systematic review

Abstract

There is a high rate of morbidity and considerable functional dependence in older adults, requiring care from informal caregivers. Person-centered care is a personalized approach that meets the person’s needs, taking their context into account. Objectives: Our aim was to assess the available evidence on Person-Centered Health Intervention Programs (PCHCIPs) in a home setting among older adults with multimorbidity and their informal caregivers, namely regarding their main characteristics and respective health outcomes. Methods: A systematic literature review was conducted in accordance with the PRISMA guidelines. Bibliographic searches were performed in five databases (CINAHL, MEDLINE, MedicLatina, Scopus, and Psychology and Behavioral Sciences Collection) in November 2024, including studies published between January 2014 and November 2024. Inclusion criteria: Randomized Controlled Trials of person-centered health intervention programs delivered to older adults and their caregivers in home care settings, and scientific articles published betweeen 2014 and 2024. The review protocol was registered in PROSPERO (registration number: CRD42022303687. Results: Twelve articles were included (n = 12). The PCHCIPs provides psychoeducational training and empowerment with physical, psychological, and social interventions that result in health outcomes for the dependent older adults (decreased health-related events and increased social involvement), for the caregiver (improved QoL, reduced burden), and for both participants (increased life satisfaction and reduced costs in health). Conclusions: PCHCIPs covering different areas of intervention (physical, psychosocial and economic) demonstrate positive health outcomes for older adults and their caregivers. It is important to explore more programs that encompass both participants.