Evidence-Based Resources

RCI's goal is to increase the use of "science that works" to support both professional and family caregivers. We believe that evidence-based interventions have the greatest chance of improving the health and well-being of caregivers. Included in this section are:

Caregiver Intervention Database

This database provides detailed information on interventions that have been tested in a randomized control trial (RCT) and have been found to positively impact caregiver outcomes. The interventions contained in the database fall into one of three categories, and can be sorted accordingly:

Intervention Study Only

A randomized control trial was completed, study results were published but there are no materials, implementation manuals,  or training readily available.

Materials Available

Materials such as handbooks, guides, implementation manuals, etc. exist for the intervention, but there is no or limited formal training or certification available.

Materials & Training Available

Materials such as handbooks, guides, manuals, etc. are available and a structured training program and/or certification process exists for the intervention.

NOTE: Some interventions listed may be in the process of developing materials,and/or training/certification processes.Our aim is to provide guidance to potential adopters about the level of support available if they choose to implement a program. As we become aware of new supports for program implementation including formal training or certification procedures, we will update the intervention's category accordingly.

What interventions/programs are included in the Caregiver Intervention Database?

Interventions/programs in the Database were obtained from a comprehensive literature search of peer-reviewed publications of randomized controlled trials published in English. Only publications whose content met the following pre-determined criteria were included: 1) Reported on the outcome of the intervention study; 2) Tested intervention(s) having at least one major study outcome designed to improve an aspect(s) of how caregiving affects the caregiver (e.g. caregiver burden, psychosocial status, disease-specific caregiving knowledge); 3) Studied caregiving in the context of an adult medical patient population, and 4) Defined Caregiving as the provision of direct patient supportive services by family or friends, though the type of activities performed by caregivers varied. We have selected those interventions that had a statistically significant positive effect on at least one outcome that directly impacted caregivers.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Inclusion in the RCI Caregiver Intervention Database in not an endorsement or recommendation for any intervention.

What Makes Caregiver Programs Effective?

This article details factors that have been associated with the most positive outcomes for family caregivers.

Commonly Used Terminology & Definitions

A listing of commonly used terms and their definitions as used on this website.

Implementation Tools & Guides

There are many specific tools, guides, podcasts and manuals to assist an agency with implementation of an evidence-based program to support caregivers. We have these categorized into drop-down sections: Caregiver Assessment, Helpful Podcasts, Research Reviews and Meta Analysis, Useful Links and Resources, and Conference Presentations. Click on the appropriate link under this section for additional information about each of these categories. 

Caregiver Resources

Resource links specific to the needs of family and professional caregivers are located here.