Table 1 Characteristics

Everink et al.

2018

The Netherlands

D: Prospective cohort study

S: Hospital, geriatric rehabilitation facility, community

SZ: 149 patients 54 caregivers

Geriatric patients (>  65 years and complex health problems)Admitted to a geriatric rehabilitation facilityCommunity-dwelling prior to hospital admission

I: Integrated Care Pathway: Process of care during the trajectory of hospital admission, discharge to geriatric rehabilitation and discharge back to community. Patients and their caregiver are actively involved in the triage decision.

D: Period of hospitalization (acute and rehabilitation) until discharge. F: Not stated

O: Patients:Basic functional performance (KI, FAI)Psychological well-being (CSAL)Caregivers:Psychological well-being (SRCB, CSAL)

Others (Discharge location)

MP: Admission geriatric rehabilitation, 3, 6 and 9 months

Forster et al.

2013

UK

D: Multicentre cluster RCT

S: 36 stroke units in four geographical regions.

SZ: 928 patients 928 caregivers

Patient with stroke Medically stable Likely to return home

I: London Stroke Carers Training Course:Assessment of competencies in knowledge or skills essential for day-to-day management of disabled survivors of stroke (14 components). Intervention manual and caregiver training record.

D: Period of hospitalization F: Not stated

O: Patients:Basic functional performance (NEADL, BI) Psychological well-being (HADS, EQ-5D)

Caregivers: Psychological well-being (CBS, HADS, EQ-5D)Others (initial stroke admission cost)

MP: Measured at: Baseline, 6 and 12 months

Galvin et al.

2011

Ireland

D: RCT

S: 6 acute hospitals

SZ: 40 patients 40 caregivers

Patient with strokeNo cognitive impairment Participate in a physiotherapy program

I: Family-Mediated Exercise Intervention:Training the family member/friend with the skills necessary to carry out the exercise-training programme with the patient.Lower limb exercises designed to patient’s ability. Emphasis on achieving stability, gait velocity and strength

D: 8 weeks F: Training the caregiver on a weekly basisExercises patient-caregiver 35 min daily

O: Patients:Basic functional performance (NEADL, BI, RNLI)

Extended functional performance (LL-FMA, MAS, BBS, 6MWT)Caregivers:Psychological well-being (CSI)

MP: Measured at: Baseline, 8 weeks and 3 months

Gräsel et al.

2005

Germany

D: Non-randomized controlled trialS: 2 study wards of a rehabilitation clinic

SZ: 71 patients 71 caregivers

Patient with strokeFunctional deficit Required treatment in rehabilitation clinic

I: Intensified Transition Concept:Psycho-educational seminar for family carers.Individual training course on bedside skills.Therapeutic weekend care, accompanied and monitored by an outpatient care service.Telephone counselling to assess the home situation

D: Duration of hospitalization plus 3 months after discharge F: 1-h psycho-educational seminar3 times 45–60 min individual training course1 therapeutic weekend1 telephone counselling after 3 months

O: Patients:Basic functional performance (BI, FIM)Extended functional performance (TUG, ASS, FAT) Caregivers:Psychological well-being (BSFC, ZDS, GSL)Others (discharge readmission)

MP: Measured at: After intervention, 4 weeks and 6 months

Harris et al.

2010

Canada

D: Subgroup analysis of a RCT

S: Multi-site

SZ: 50 patients 50 caregivers

Patient with strokeActive scapular elevationFM scale 10–57

I: Graded Repetitive Arm Supplementary Program with Caregiver Support:A self-administered upper-limb exercise program, using an exercise booklet and a kit tailored to motor impairment level.Exercises included range of motion, strengthening, and fine motor and goal-directed activities.

D: 4 weeks F: Explanation of the program 1 hExercises 60 min a day, 6 days per weekCaregiver involvement > 2 times/week

O: Patients:Extended functional performance (CAAI, MAL, GS)

MP: Measured at: Baseline and 4 weeks

Hebel et al.

2014 Poland

D: Prospective pre-post study

S: Hospital

SZ: 243 patients 243 caregivers

Patient with stroke

I: Voluntary Health Education Program for Carers:Education on stroke and secondary prevention, proper patient positioning in bed and position changing techniques.

D: During hospitalization F: One two-hour meeting

O: Patients:Basic functional performance (NEADL, BI, MRS)

MP: Measured at: After intervention, 3 and 12 months

Kalra et al. Patel et al.

2004UK

D: RCTblock randomisation

S: Hospital, home setting

SZ: 300 patients 300 caregivers

Patient with strokeIndependent in ADL before strokeMedically stableExpected to return home

I: Training Caregivers of Stroke Patients:Instructions on common stroke related problems, hands-on training in lifting and handling techniques, facilitation of mobility and transfers, tailored to the needs of individual patients.

D: During hospitalizationF: 3–5 session of 30–45 min1 follow through session at home

O: Patients:Basic functional performance (BI, MRS, FAI)

Psychological well-being (HADS, EQ VAS) Caregivers:Psychological well-being (CBS, HADS, EQ VAS)Others (length of stay, cost, readmission, mortality, discharge destination)

MP: Measured at: Baseline, 1, 3, 6 and 12 months

van den Berg et al.

2016 Australia

D: RCTS: Three hospitals and home setting

SZ: 63 patients 63 caregivers

Patient with stroke Early rehabilitationMobility problemsNo cognitive problems No depression

I: Caregiver-Mediated Exercises:A customized exercise app (37 exercises) on a i-pad was provided to the patient and carer.Tele-rehabilitation services after discharge and weekly home visits.

D: 8 weeks (hospital and home) F: ≥5 times per week 30 minweekly evaluation session with PT

O: Patients:Basic functional performance (NEADL, BI, MRS)

Extended functional performance (SISmob, RMI, LL-FMA, MI, TUG, BBS) Psychological well-being (HADS)Caregivers:Psychological well-being (CSI, HADS) Others (Length of stay, Hospital readmission)

MP: Measured at: Baseline, 8 weeks and 12 weeks