Impact of psychosocial support interventions for informal caregivers of palliative care patients: a systematic review

Abstract

Background: Informal caregivers of patients in advanced or terminal stages of illness frequently experience high psychosocial burden, including anxiety, depressive symptoms, and reduced quality of life. Although family support is a core component of palliative care, psychosocial interventions specifically targeting informal caregivers remain limited. Aim: To systematically review the impact of psychosocial support interventions delivered to informal caregivers of adult palliative care patients on emotional outcomes, caregiver burden, and quality of life, and to synthesize caregivers’ perceptions and experiences of the support received. Method: A systematic review was conducted in accordance with PRISMA 2020. Searches were performed in ProQuest, PubMed, Web of Science, and PubMed Central for studies published in English or Spanish between 2014 and 2024. Quantitative, qualitative, and mixed-methods studies evaluating psychosocial interventions for informal caregivers or providing them with structured access to psychosocial support were included. Results: Ten studies met inclusion criteria. Multicomponent interventions—particularly those addressing the patient–caregiver dyad or integrating caregivers into patient-centered programs—showed favorable effects on depressive symptoms, anxiety, caregiver burden, and/or quality of life. Caregivers reported emotional validation, improved coping strategies, and a sense of support. Remote delivery formats (telephone, online platforms) were feasible and acceptable. Conclusions: Psychosocial interventions that actively involve informal caregivers are associated with meaningful benefits and positive subjective experiences. Future research should prioritize methodologically robust designs and explicitly address grief and bereavement when relevant.