Caregiver Empowerment Interventions for Post-Stroke Incontinence: A Narrative Review of Chinese and International Practices

Abstract

This review systematically analyzes the current status and characteristics of caregiver empowerment interventions for post-stroke incontinence (PSI) globally, with a focus on Chinese and international practices. Key research dimensions include: the types, manifestations, and impacts of caregiver burden; the classification and implementation features of empowerment intervention models; the effectiveness of evidence-based empowerment nursing strategies; and emerging development trends in this field. The findings reveal that PSI caregivers commonly face multi-dimensional burdens, which significantly impair their quality of life and long-term caregiving sustainability. Empowerment-oriented nursing interventions have shown consistent positive effects in improving caregivers’ care competence, reducing care-related stress, and enhancing the quality of PSI care. However, three critical limitations persist: the absence of unified standardized intervention protocols, large variability in the selection and application of caregiver/patient assessment tools, and insufficient long-term outcome evaluations. Future research should prioritize three directions: developing personalized intervention frameworks tailored to caregiver burden types and patient incontinence severity; constructing integrated multidisciplinary collaboration models; and promoting the application of digital health tools to address time/geographic barriers. Additionally, greater attention should be paid to strengthening caregivers’ mental health support systems and optimizing social assistance mechanisms. This review provides a solid theoretical basis and practical strategic references for guiding subsequent research on PSI caregiver empowerment and promoting the translation of research findings into clinical and community practice.