Research

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 are sorted into these categories:

• 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.

Averting the Caregiving Crisis

Our nation's current caregiving crisis has been well-documented. In October of 2010, RCI issued a position paper outlining its 12 recommendations for averting this crisis. An updated version reflecting progress made to date has now been released. Both the original and updated versions of "Averting the Caregiving Crisis: Why We Must Act Now" can be accessed here.  

Research & Development Sites

RCI collaborates with caregiving researchers across the country to identify effective caregiving interventions, disseminate these evidence-based caregiver programs across the country, and provide technical assistance to community organizations who choose to implement these programs.

Rosalynn Carter Leadership in Caregiving Award

The Rosalynn Carter Leadership in Caregiving Award is the highest award given in the caregiving field. This award recognizes leadership in implementing innovative partnerships between community agencies and caregiving researchers that bridge the gap between science and practice.