Effectiveness of integrated care for older adults-based interventions on depressive symptoms: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

AIM

To pool existing studies to assess the overall effectiveness of integrated care for older adults (ICOPE)-based interventions in improving depressive symptoms in older adults.

DESIGN

A systematic review and meta-analysis.

DATA SOURCES

Ten databases were systematically searched from inception to 15 July 2023 and the search was last updated on 2 September 2023.

METHODS

Standardized mean difference (SMD) was calculated using random effects models. RoB 2 and GRADEpro GDT were used to assess the methodological quality and confidence in the cumulative evidence. Funnel plots, egger's test and begg's test were used to analyse publication bias. Sensitivity, subgroup and meta-regression analyses were performed to explore potential sources of heterogeneity.

RESULTS

The results of 18 studies showed ICOPE-based interventions had a significant effect on improving depressive symptoms (SMD = -.84; 95% CI, -1.20 to -.3647; p < .001; 18 RCTs, 5010 participants; very low-quality evidence). Subgroup analysis showed the intervention group was characterized by mean age (70-80 years old), intervention duration between 6 to 12 months, gender (female <50%), non-frail older adults, depressed older adults and mixed integration appeared to be more effective. Sensitivity analysis found the results to be robust.

CONCLUSION

ICOPE-based interventions may be a potentially effective alternative approach to reduce depressive symptoms in the older adults.

IMPLICATIONS FOR THE PROFESSION AND/OR PATIENT CARE: Healthcare professionals are expected to use ICOPE as one of the interventions for depressive symptoms in older adults, and this ICOPE could provide more comprehensive care services for older adults to reduce depressive symptoms.

IMPACT

ICOPE-based interventions may be a potentially effective alternative approach to reduce depressive symptoms in the older adults. ICOPE-based interventions had a significant effect on reducing depressive symptoms in the older adults. The intervention group characterized by mean age of older adults, intervention duration, gender ratio, health condition and integration types may influence the effect size.

REPORTING METHOD

According to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines.

PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION

No Patient or Public Contribution.