Fostering relationship quality in the dementia care triad:a rapid review of effective and feasible psychosocial interventions in residential settings

Introduction: High-quality relationships within the dementia care triad (nursing home residents with dementia, relatives, and care staff) are key to psychological well-being for all involved. Psychosocial interventions may foster these relationships. Yet, a clear overview of effective and feasible interventions is lacking. <br/><br/>Objective: This study, part of the SPREAD+ consortium, aimed to summarize recent peer-reviewed literature on psychosocial interventions that foster relationship quality within the dementia care triad in residential settings.<br/><br/>Methods: A rapid review was performed to analyze primary studies from the past decade. Inclusion criteria were (1) studies that investigated the effects of psychosocial interventions on relational aspects (2) within the dementia care triad in residential settings. Databases searched included PubMed, CINAHL, and PsycINFO. The review summarizes key findings regarding effects on relational outcomes, targeted components of the intervention, underlying mechanisms, feasibility, and factors influencing implementation.<br/><br/>Preliminary results: A total of 39 studies were included. Most interventions (n=14) focused on creative expression activities such as storytelling, filmmaking, poetry, visual arts, theatre, music, and dance. Others focused on life review (n=4), meaningful activities and shared engagement (n=8), and multisensory stimulation (n=5) as primary component. Additionally, stress management, communication and relational skills were targeted (n=8). Thirty-three interventions targeted the staff–resident dyad, 19 the relative–resident dyad, 13 the staff–relative dyad, and 10 the whole resident–relative–staff triad; 16 focused also on other relationships (e.g., between residents). Effectiveness, relational outcomes, feasibility, and implementation factors are currently being explored and will be presented at the congress.<br/><br/>Conclusion: Various psychosocial interventions may foster relationship quality within the dementia care triad. This review is an important step to inform the development of practical, sustainable interventions that can be integrated into daily practice and improve relational quality within care triads in residential dementia care.<br/><br/>Keywords: dementia, care triad, relationships, long-term care, rapid review, psychosocial intervention