A rapid systematic review of dyadic interventions targeting adults living with multiple chronic conditions

Background
Dyadic (pair-based) interventions are beneficial for adults living with a chronic condition; however, evidence of their effectiveness for adults living with multiple chronic conditions (or multimorbidity) is limited. This rapid systematic review synthesised evidence on the effectiveness of dyadic interventions for adults with multiple conditions and their informal carers.

Methods
Systematic searches were performed in MEDLINE, EMBASE, CENTRAL, and CINAHL Plus for literature published between January 2014–April 2025. Study quality was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal Tools. The certainty of evidence was evaluated using GRADE. Findings were synthesised narratively.

Results
Of 16,128 records screened, eight studies of moderate to high quality reporting on 550 dyads were included. The most common interventions were healthcare professional-led educational interventions, delivered to dyads following hospital discharge. Educational interventions with follow-up showed moderate evidence of benefits for mental well-being, relationship quality, and hospital readmissions in adults living with multiple conditions. Digital multicomponent interventions contributed to some improvements in anxiety, depression, and medication adherence, with low certainty of evidence. There were little or no effects on health-related quality of life, independence, or mortality. Evidence for the impact of the dyadic interventions on carers’ outcomes was rarely reported or inconsistent.

Conclusions
Limited evidence suggests that healthcare professional-led dyadic interventions incorporating educational and follow-up components could improve outcomes for adults living with multiple conditions. Future dyadic research with clear and transparent reporting of outcomes for both adults living with multiple conditions and their carers is needed.