Supporting carers of people with motor neuron disease: A systematic review of psychological interventions for terminally ill patients, understanding how spousal carers of people with motor neuron disease experience palliative care in the UK

Abstract

Chapter 1 of this thesis is a systematic review of the literature in psychological interventions for carers of people with terminal illnesses. This paper aimed to understand the current evidence base for psychological interventions for depression and caregiver burden and compare effectiveness of treatments for this client group. The paper explored and compared the findings of 18 studies on outcomes for depression and caregiver burden, using Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Existential Behavioural Therapy, Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy, Psychoeducation and Counselling. Overall CBT approaches were most effective for depression and caregiver burden, however there is an overall lack of transparency in the current research. Quality and methodological considerations are explored and evaluated. Chapter 2 of this thesis is a qualitative paper which aimed to understand how spousal carers of people with Motor Neuron Disease experience palliative care in the UK. This paper used interpretative phenomenological analysis and identified 3 group experiential themes: ‘Battle,’ ‘Coping’ and ‘Feelings brought on by receiving palliative care.’ These were divided into subthemes and explored in depth. Clinical considerations, recommendations and considerations for future research are explored.

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Identifiers

ORCID for Georgia Steed: orcid.org/0009-0004-1629-2543

ORCID for Warren Dunger: orcid.org/0000-0002-3213-5175

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