Objective: To explore the experiences and unmet needs of Parkinson disease patients (PDPs) caregivers after subthalamic nucleus deep brain stimulation (STN-DBS) by performing a systematic review and meta-synthesis of collecting and aggregating qualitative studies.

Background: Bilateral STN-DBS represents an effective treatment in advanced PDPs. However, the effects of STN-DBS on the Caregiver Burden (CB) of PDPs caregivers are still debated.

Method: We conducted a comprehensive and systematic review of qualitative studies whose findings were synthesized after the critical appraisal. The synthesis was performed according to the Enhancing Transparency in Reporting the Synthesis of Qualitative Research (ENTREQ) guidelines. The search comprised five electronic databases: MedLine, Embase, Cinahl, PsycINFO and Scopus. Inclusion criteria for the meta-synthesis were (a) studies on the experience of CGs of PDPs post-STN-DBS, (b) English peer-reviewed articles, (c) qualitative or mixed methods studies reporting participants’ quotations. Descriptive themes and conceptual elements related to PDPs CGs experiences and unmet needs were identified by performing the meta-synthesis.

Results: The initial search yielded 1056 items. After duplicates’ removal, 720 titles were screened, and only eight articles met the inclusion criteria. We identified three main categories (and related subcategories) through the meta-synthesis: i) pre-STN-DBS: the starting situation characterized by the impact of the disease on everyday life, the limitations to CGs’ socialization and autonomy, and the CGs’ effort in stepping aside for love and care activities; ii) signifying treatment-related changes with the feeling of being unprepared for changes (involving neurologists and professionals’ communication), the fear and concern due to partners’ behavioural changes, and the struggling to find an etiological explanation for those changes; iii) reconfiguring as caregiver and partner.

Conclusion: This meta-synthesis will allow us to focus on the main experiences and unmet needs reported by CGs before, during, and after STN-DBS. This information will help physicians and healthcare professionals to develop more specific support and care strategies for these families. An adequately supported caregiver from a psychological and social point of view will be able to perform its fundamental role in the best possible way.

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MDS Abstracts - https://www.mdsabstracts.org/abstract/caregiving-patients-with-parkinson-disease-treated-with-deep-brain-stimulation-a-systematic-review-and-meta-synthesis-of-qualitative-research/