Patricia C Griffiths1, M Kate Whitney2, Mariya Kovaleva3, Kenneth Hepburn3. 1. Atlanta Department of Veterans Affairs Rehab R&D Center of Excellence for Visual and Neurocognitive Rehabilitation, Decatur, Georgia. School of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia. pcgriff@emory.edu. 2. Atlanta Department of Veterans Affairs Rehab R&D Center of Excellence for Visual and Neurocognitive Rehabilitation, Decatur, Georgia. College of Architecture, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia. 3. Nell Hodgson School of Nursing, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia.
Abstract
PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: To test fidelity and preliminary efficacy of Tele-Savvy, an internet-based version of the in-person, evidence-based psychoeducation Savvy Caregiver Program (SCP) for dementia caregivers. Tele-Savvy used synchronous (tele-conferences) and asynchronous components (video modules) to provide program access to caregivers in their homes. DESIGN AND METHODS: SCP experts were surveyed to evaluate Tele-Savvy's fidelity to SCP. A convenience sample of 30 dementia caregivers from the Atlanta VA Medical Center enrolled in the Tele-Savvy clinical demonstration program. Twenty-two caregivers completed both pre- and postprogram evaluations, which included measures of caregiver stress and competence and behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD). RESULTS: Expert review confirmed Tele-Savvy's fidelity with and, in certain domains, improvement on the original. Participants demonstrated moderately high initial levels of burden, anxiety, and depressive symptoms all of which decreased significantly postprogram in an intention to treat analysis. Similar reductions were seen in care recipients' BPSD and caregivers' reactions to them. Marginally significant increases in caregiver competence were observed. Caregiver and expert panel evaluations of program quality were enthusiastic. IMPLICATIONS: An effective online caregiver psychoeducation program could provide greatly expanded access for caregivers who cannot attend in person for reasons of distance, transportation limitations, and caregiving responsibilities. Further testing in a controlled trial is needed to establish program efficacy. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the Gerontological Society of America 2015.
PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: To test fidelity and preliminary efficacy of Tele-Savvy, an internet-based version of the in-person, evidence-based psychoeducation Savvy Caregiver Program (SCP) for dementia caregivers. Tele-Savvy used synchronous (tele-conferences) and asynchronous components (video modules) to provide program access to caregivers in their homes. DESIGN AND METHODS: SCP experts were surveyed to evaluate Tele-Savvy's fidelity to SCP. A convenience sample of 30 dementia caregivers from the Atlanta VA Medical Center enrolled in the Tele-Savvy clinical demonstration program. Twenty-two caregivers completed both pre- and postprogram evaluations, which included measures of caregiver stress and competence and behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD). RESULTS: Expert review confirmed Tele-Savvy's fidelity with and, in certain domains, improvement on the original. Participants demonstrated moderately high initial levels of burden, anxiety, and depressive symptoms all of which decreased significantly postprogram in an intention to treat analysis. Similar reductions were seen in care recipients' BPSD and caregivers' reactions to them. Marginally significant increases in caregiver competence were observed. Caregiver and expert panel evaluations of program quality were enthusiastic. IMPLICATIONS: An effective online caregiver psychoeducation program could provide greatly expanded access for caregivers who cannot attend in person for reasons of distance, transportation limitations, and caregiving responsibilities. Further testing in a controlled trial is needed to establish program efficacy. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the Gerontological Society of America 2015.
Authors: Mariya A Kovaleva; Elizabeth Bilsborough; Patricia C Griffiths; Joe Nocera; Melinda Higgins; Fayron Epps; Katie Kilgore; Allison Lindauer; Darby Morhardt; Raj C Shah; Kenneth Hepburn Journal: Res Nurs Health Date: 2018-02-05 Impact factor: 2.228
Authors: Francesco Barbabella; Arianna Poli; Frida Andréasson; Benjamin Salzmann; Roberta Papa; Elizabeth Hanson; Areti Efthymiou; Hanneli Döhner; Cristina Lancioni; Patrizia Civerchia; Giovanni Lamura Journal: JMIR Res Protoc Date: 2016-10-06
Authors: Allison Lindauer; Glenise McKenzie; David LaFazia; Loriann McNeill; Kate Mincks; Natasha Spoden; Marcella Myers; Nora Mattek; Linda L Teri Journal: J Med Internet Res Date: 2019-05-24 Impact factor: 5.428
Authors: Hannah L Christie; Sara L Bartels; Lizzy M M Boots; Huibert J Tange; Frans J J Verhey; Marjolein E de Vugt Journal: Internet Interv Date: 2018-07-07