What question did this study set out to answer?

Evaluate the effectiveness of nurse-led caregiver training interventions on functional and psychosocial outcomes for stroke survivors and their caregivers.

June 6, 2026Open Access

Nurse-led caregiver training interventions in post-stroke rehabilitation: a systematic review and meta-analysis of functional and psychosocial outcomes

Key Points

Evaluate the effectiveness of nurse-led caregiver training interventions on functional and psychosocial outcomes for stroke survivors and their caregivers.
Conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of eight randomized controlled trials from 2015 to 2025.
Focused on evaluating functional and psychosocial outcomes using statistical software RevMan 5.4 and R.
Performed heterogeneity assessment and sensitivity analyses.
Nurse-led interventions improved physical function and motor ability in stroke survivors (SMD = 0.60, 95% CI: 0.18–1.02, p = 0.005).
Quality of life and anxiety/depression showed significant improvements (SMD = 0.51, 95% CI: 0.11–0.92, p = 0.01; SMD = 0.49, 95% CI: 0.05–0.93, p = 0.03, respectively).
Caregivers gained knowledge/skills and e-health literacy significantly (SMD = 1.02, 95% CI: 0.42–1.61, p = 0.0008; SMD = 1.09, 95% CI: 0.55–1.62, p < 0.0001).

Abstract

Background Stroke survivors often require long-term care from unprepared family caregivers, causing physical, emotional, and social challenges. Nurse-led caregiver training offers education and support to enhance functional recovery, caregiver competence, and psychosocial well-being. This study evaluated whether such interventions improve functional and psychosocial outcomes in stroke survivors and caregivers during post-stroke rehabilitation. Methods A systematic review and meta-analysis of eight randomized controlled trials (2015–2025) was conducted using PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar. Data extraction focused on functional and psychosocial outcomes. Statistical analyses were performed with RevMan 5.4 and R, calculating SMD and 95% CI. Heterogeneity was assessed via I 2 , and sensitivity analyses were conducted. Results Nurse-led interventions improved stroke survivors’ physical function and motor ability (SMD = 0.60, 95% CI: 0.18–1.02, p = 0.005), but not activities of daily living or self-efficacy (SMD = 0.01, 95% CI: −0.29-0.31, p = 0.94). Psychosocial outcomes improved, including quality of life (SMD = 0.51, 95% CI: 0.11–0.92, p = 0.01) and reductions in anxiety and depression (SMD = 0.49, 95% CI: 0.05–0.93, p = 0.03). Caregivers showed significant gains in knowledge/skills (SMD = 1.02, 95% CI: 0.42–1.61, p = 0.0008), e-health literacy (SMD = 1.09, 95% CI: 0.55–1.62, p 0.0001), and competence/preparedness (SMD = 0.87, 95% CI: 0.35–1.39, p = 0.0001), with no significant improvements in burden, emotional exhaustion, or quality of life. Sensitivity analyses confirmed robustness. Conclusion Nurse-led caregiver training improves stroke survivors’ motor and psychosocial outcomes and enhances caregiver knowledge, preparedness, and e-health literacy. However, effects on ADLs and caregiver burden remain uncertain due to low-certainty evidence, supporting integration into rehabilitation while emphasizing the need for stronger future evidence. Systematic review registration https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/view/CRD420251104400 , identifier (CRD420251104400).

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