Caregiver capabilities: Healthcare interventions for children with developmental disabilities

Abstract

Background: Developmental disabilities (DDs) involve impairments affecting children’s abilities, impacting development and necessitating specialised care. Many caregivers face challenges caring for these children, lacking access to supportive healthcare interventions. Addressing this issue aligns with United Nations (UN) goals for ensuring access to quality services for children with disabilities and their caregivers.

Objectives: This study aimed to systematically review and synthesise evidence on healthcare interventions enhancing caregiver capabilities for children with DDs, identifying intervention types, components and effectiveness.

Method: Our systematic review analysed peer-reviewed English-language studies from 2014 to 2024, focusing on interventions for caregivers of children with DDs. The review investigated healthcare interventions designed to enhance caregiver capabilities across diverse cultural contexts, examining international research to understand strategies supporting caregivers of children with DDs.

Results: We found significant improvements in caregiver well-being through five interventions. Parent education reduces stress and improves parenting. Peer support decreased isolation while counselling enhanced family functioning. Condition-specific interventions increased intervention adherence among minorities. Combined interventions showed strong positive effects, especially when tailored. Comprehensive programmes greatly improved caregiver quality of life. Further research is needed for underserved communities and culturally adaptive interventions.

Conclusion: Our review indicates potential positive parental impacts with limited evidence. Small samples warrant future research using larger studies, emphasising rigorous methods, cultural adaptation and diverse community representation.

Contribution: Our review identifies promising intervention types and highlights the need for further research to optimise caregiver support and promote access to quality services.