Communication Training for Alzheimer's Caregivers

Overseen By Lee A Lindquist, MD MPH MBA

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: Northwestern University

Disqualifiers: Under 21 years, others

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: Unknown

132 Participants Needed

Trial Summary

What is the purpose of this trial?

The purpose of this study is to design a Negotiation and Dispute Resolution (NDR) training intervention to improve communication and address resolution of conflicts that family caregivers of patients with cognitive impairment and/or Alzheimer's Disease (AD) frequently experience.

Eligibility Criteria

This trial is for English-speaking caregivers who help an adult over 65 with tasks like shopping or scheduling, are involved in healthcare decisions, can use the internet, and have noticed changes in memory or thinking skills of the person they care for.

Inclusion Criteria

Have a valid email address or the willingness to create one to access during the study

I provide at least 1 hour of care support weekly, like shopping or driving.

I am currently caring for someone over 65.

Exclusion Criteria

Unable to speak and read English

I am under 21 years old.

Timeline

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Intervention

Participants undergo Negotiation and Dispute Resolution (NDR) training to improve communication and resolve conflicts

3 months

Multiple sessions (in-person and virtual)

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for changes in communication skills and caregiver outcomes post-intervention

3 months

Treatment Details

Interventions

• Negotiation Training

Trial Overview The study tests a training program designed to improve how caregivers communicate and resolve conflicts. It involves different scenarios: caregiver vs. patient (beginner), caregiver vs. caregiver, caregiver vs. physician, and caregiver vs. patient (advanced).

Participant Groups

Group I: Condition 8 Experimental Treatment 4 Interventions

(1) 'Caregiver vs. Patient \[Beginner\]' conflict negotiation/dispute resolution exercise; (2) 'Caregiver vs. Caregiver' conflict negotiation/dispute resolution exercise; (3) 'Caregiver vs. Physician' conflict negotiation/dispute resolution exercise; (4) 'Caregiver vs. Patient \[Advanced\]' conflict negotiation/dispute resolution exercise

Group II: Condition 7 Experimental Treatment 3 Interventions

(1) 'Caregiver vs. Patient \[Beginner\]' negotiation/dispute resolution exercise; (2) 'Caregiver vs. Caregiver' conflict negotiation/dispute resolution exercise; (3) 'Caregiver vs. Physician' conflict negotiation/dispute resolution exercise

Group III: Condition 6 Experimental Treatment 3 Interventions

(1) 'Caregiver vs. Patient \[Beginner\]' conflict negotiation/dispute resolution exercise; (2) 'Caregiver vs. Caregiver' conflict negotiation/dispute resolution exercise; (3) 'Caregiver vs. Patient \[Advanced\]' conflict negotiation/dispute resolution exercise

Group IV: Condition 5 Experimental Treatment 2 Interventions

(1) 'Caregiver vs. Patient \[Beginner\]' conflict negotiation/dispute resolution exercise; (2) 'Caregiver vs. Caregiver' conflict negotiation/dispute resolution exercise

Group V: Condition 4 Experimental Treatment 3 Interventions

(1) 'Caregiver vs. Patient \[Beginner\]' conflict negotiation/dispute resolution exercise; (2) 'Caregiver vs. Physician' conflict negotiation/dispute resolution exercise; (3) 'Caregiver vs. Patient \[Advanced\]' conflict negotiation/dispute resolution exercise

Group VI: Condition 3 Experimental Treatment 2 Interventions

(1) 'Caregiver vs. Patient \[Beginner\]' conflict negotiation/dispute resolution exercise; (2) 'Caregiver vs. Physician' conflict negotiation/dispute resolution exercise

Group VII: Condition 2 Experimental Treatment 2 Interventions

(1) 'Caregiver vs. Patient \[Beginner\]' conflict negotiation/dispute resolution exercise; (2) 'Caregiver vs. Patient \[Advanced\]' ' conflict negotiation/dispute resolution exercise

Group VIII: Condition 1 Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

(1) 'Caregiver vs. Patient \[Beginner\]' conflict negotiation/dispute resolution exercise. All participants will complete this exercise; it will serve as the constant.

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Northwestern University

Lead Sponsor

Trials

1,674

Recruited

989,000+

National Institute on Aging (NIA)

Collaborator

Trials

1,841

Recruited

28,150,000+