Personalized case management for caregivers of children with chronic illnesses or disabilities: A non-randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND: Caregivers of children with chronic illnesses or disabilities face considerable stress and reduced well-being. Personalized case management interventions may strengthen resilience by enhancing psychosocial resources and reducing perceived stress. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects of a personalized case management intervention on quality of life, mental distress, perceived stress, and psychosocial resources in caregivers of children with chronic illnesses and disabilities over an 18-month intervention period. DESIGN: Non-randomized controlled trial. SETTING(S): Community-based intervention delivered in family and healthcare settings in Germany. PARTICIPANTS: 203 caregivers (intervention: n = 102; control: n = 101). METHODS: The intervention group received 18 months of case management support from Family Health Partners (specially trained nurses). Outcomes included well-being, perceived stress, mental distress, and psychosocial resources, measured at baseline, 6, 12, and 18 months. RESULTS: Short- to medium-term improvements were observed in the intervention group across all primary outcomes. However, these benefits faded by 18 months, with no significant group differences at the final assessment. CONCLUSIONS: Personalized case management improved caregiver mental health and psychosocial resilience in the short to medium term. However, effects were not sustained at 18 months, suggesting the potential need for ongoing or follow-up support to maintain initial benefits. REGISTRATION: DRKS00027465, 2022-01-04 (German Clinical Trials Register); NCT05418205, 2022-03-01 (ClinicalTrials.gov). First participant enrolled: [2022-02-15]. SOCIAL MEDIA ABSTRACT: Personalized case management boosts caregiver well-being and resilience in the short term, but these benefits fade by 18 months. #Caregiving #MentalHealth.