Virtual Support Groups for Informal Caregivers of Individuals With Dementia: A Scoping Review

Objective:
The purpose of this scoping systematic review was to inform virtual support group development for informal caregivers of dementia by identifying published approaches, outcomes, barriers, and facilitators.
Methods:
A scoping systematic review was performed using 5 search engines. Studies were included if they utilized virtual support groups for informal caregivers of persons with dementia. Study details, support group characteristics, outcomes, barriers, facilitators, and recommended approaches were extracted and summarized.
Results:
Of 1052 identified articles, 87 were retrieved; 62 were excluded largely because they described other virtual interventions. Groups typically used teleconferences or internet-based videoconferences, included 4 to 6 participants, lasted 60 minutes, and occurred weekly or monthly. Moderators were professionals; moderator training was…

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