Patricia C Griffiths1,2, Mariya Kovaleva3, Melinda Higgins3, Ashley H Langston2, Kenneth Hepburn3. 1. 1 Wesley Woods Health Center, School of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA. 2. 3 Atlanta VAMC, Department of Veterans Affairs, Decatur, GA, USA. 3. 2 Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA.
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: This study examined the feasibility and efficacy of Tele-Savvy, an online version of the Savvy Caregiver Program, a psychoeducation program for caregivers caring for a person with dementia. METHODS: A convenience sample of 22 caregivers from the Atlanta VA and 42 caregivers from 14 different states enrolled in Tele-Savvy. Pre- and post-program evaluations assessed caregiver burden, caregiver competency, and frequency of behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD). RESULTS: Fifty-seven caregivers completed the 6-week Tele-Savvy program. Caregivers whose care recipients exhibited higher average BPSD frequency at baseline demonstrated significantly greater burden decreases post-program. Caregivers of care recipients in more advanced dementia stages demonstrated a significantly greater improvement in caregiver competence. DISCUSSION: The results point to the feasibility of achieving significant results in caregivers' well-being and care recipients' BPSD with a fully online program. Tele-Savvy may be particularly efficacious for caregivers whose care recipients exhibit higher BPSD frequency and are in later dementia stages.
INTRODUCTION: This study examined the feasibility and efficacy of Tele-Savvy, an online version of the Savvy Caregiver Program, a psychoeducation program for caregivers caring for a person with dementia. METHODS: A convenience sample of 22 caregivers from the Atlanta VA and 42 caregivers from 14 different states enrolled in Tele-Savvy. Pre- and post-program evaluations assessed caregiver burden, caregiver competency, and frequency of behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD). RESULTS: Fifty-seven caregivers completed the 6-week Tele-Savvy program. Caregivers whose care recipients exhibited higher average BPSD frequency at baseline demonstrated significantly greater burden decreases post-program. Caregivers of care recipients in more advanced dementia stages demonstrated a significantly greater improvement in caregiver competence. DISCUSSION: The results point to the feasibility of achieving significant results in caregivers' well-being and care recipients' BPSD with a fully online program. Tele-Savvy may be particularly efficacious for caregivers whose care recipients exhibit higher BPSD frequency and are in later dementia stages.
Entities:
Keywords:
caregivers; delivery of care; dementia; education; health education; tele-health
Authors: Veronica Yank; Randall C Gale; Andrea Nevedal; Leonore Okwara; Christopher J Koenig; Ranak B Trivedi; Nancy J Dupke; Margaret Kabat; Steven M Asch Journal: J Med Internet Res Date: 2021-01-07 Impact factor: 5.428
Authors: Jenny Hopwood; Nina Walker; Lorraine McDonagh; Greta Rait; Kate Walters; Stephen Iliffe; Jamie Ross; Nathan Davies Journal: J Med Internet Res Date: 2018-06-12 Impact factor: 5.428