[Multidisciplinary intervention program for caregivers of patients in a home care program].

Objectives: To improve quality of life, anxiety and depression in caregivers of patients in home care.

Methods: We performed a randomized clinical trial in 79 main caregivers (39 control group and 40 intervention group) of patients in the home care program of a primary care health center between 2000 and 2001. Quality of life, anxiety and depression were measured by the COOP/WONCA and Goldberg questionnaires, respectively, at the beginning and at the end of the study. Interventions consisted of two medical visits to take a bio-psychosocial history of the caregiver and a nurse visit for health education. Two letters, adapted to each carer's needs, were sent and two telephone calls were made.

Results: The intervention group scored significantly better than the control group in relation to WONCA-feelings (p=0.03), WONCA-social activities (p=0.05), and WONCA-quality of life (p=0.02).

Conclusions: A short multidisciplinary intervention program adapted to routine consultations could prevent deterioration in caregivers' quality of life.