Online Skills Training for Dementia Caregivers

Overseen By Mia Chester

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: Emory University

Disqualifiers: Care recipient in hospice, others

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

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 8

270 Participants Needed

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial seeks better ways to support family caregivers of people with dementia. It includes an online skills training course called CAN-DO (Caregiver as Navigator: Develop Skills Online), designed to boost caregivers' confidence and capability. Participants will be divided into groups to start the course immediately or after a short wait, with progress tracked through interviews over six months. This trial suits family members or friends who provide at least four hours of care per week for someone with dementia and have internet access. As an unphased trial, it offers caregivers a unique opportunity to enhance their skills and improve their caregiving experience.

Do I need to stop taking my current medications to join the trial?

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It seems unlikely that you would need to stop, as the study focuses on online skills training for caregivers.

What prior data suggests that the CAN-DO online course is safe for dementia caregivers?

Research has shown that the CAN-DO program is generally safe for caregivers. Studies have found that online educational programs for dementia caregivers are practical and appreciated by users. No reports of serious side effects indicate that the program is well-received. As an educational tool, the CAN-DO program does not involve drugs or medical procedures, further supporting its safety for participants. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about the Online Skills Training for Dementia Caregivers because it provides an innovative way to support those caring for individuals with dementia. Unlike traditional support methods, which often require in-person attendance and can be logistically challenging, this program offers skills development through an online platform. This approach allows caregivers to access training at their convenience, making it more adaptable to their busy schedules. By empowering caregivers with practical skills and knowledge, the program aims to improve their confidence and ability to manage caregiving challenges effectively.

What evidence suggests that the CAN-DO online course is effective for dementia caregivers?

Research shows that the CAN-DO program, available to participants in this trial, can aid those caring for someone with dementia by enhancing their skills and emotional well-being. Studies have found that program participants often experience reduced depression and feel less overwhelmed by caregiving duties. The program teaches effective coping strategies, helping caregivers become more capable. It also increases their understanding of dementia and boosts confidence in managing caregiving tasks. Although not everyone will see improvements in stress and depression, many caregivers find the program helpful in handling their responsibilities. ^{1 2 3 6 7}

Who Is on the Research Team?

Carolyn Clevenger, RN, DNP

Principal Investigator

Emory University

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for family caregivers of individuals with dementia. Participants will be randomly chosen to either start the CAN-DO online course immediately or after a waiting period, and they'll share their experiences in interviews.

Inclusion Criteria

Has internet access

I provide 4+ hours of care weekly for someone with Alzheimer's or dementia at home.

Does not have to co-reside with the individual

Exclusion Criteria

Family caregiver plans to move care recipient to an institutional setting within the next six months

Care recipient currently enrolled in hospice

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Intervention

Participants are randomized to either the CAN-DO program or an Attention Control program. The CAN-DO program focuses on enhancing caregivers' skills and confidence to navigate various systems.

4 months

Interviews at baseline, 2, 4, 6, and 8 months

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for changes in caregiver burden, emotional wellbeing, and other outcomes after the intervention.

2 months

Interviews at 6 and 8 months

Open-label extension

Participants in the Attention Control and Usual Care groups are invited to participate in the CAN-DO program after their 4-month interview.

4 months

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• Caregiver as Navigator: Develop Skills Online (CAN-DO)

Trial Overview

The study compares the effectiveness of an online program called CAN-DO aimed at improving caregiver skills, versus a delayed entry into the program. The goal is to see if immediate access helps caregivers feel more competent.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: CAN-DO Immediate program group Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Each participant will be engaged in a baseline interview. Subsequently, each will be asked to take part in follow-up interviews at points 2, 4, 6, and 8 months following the launch of their cohort.

Group II: Attention Control program group Active Control 2 Interventions

Participants will receive an online course about "Healthy Living" for the first 4 months after randomization. After the Attention Control participants complete their 4-month interview, they will be invited to participate in the CAN-DO program.

Group III: Usual care group Active Control 1 Intervention

Participants randomized to the Usual care group will not receive intervention from the study but after they complete their 4-month interview, they will be invited to participate in the CAN-DO program.

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Emory University

Lead Sponsor

Trials

1,735

Recruited

2,605,000+

National Institute on Aging (NIA)

Collaborator

Trials

1,841

Recruited

28,150,000+

Published Research Related to This Trial

A systematic review of 19 studies found that online dementia training programs significantly improve the preparedness and condition of both formal and informal caregivers, addressing the growing need for skilled dementia care as Alzheimer's disease rates rise.

Future research should focus on enhancing study designs by incorporating multiple time points, control groups, and personalized, interactive content to better evaluate the effectiveness of these online training programs.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Effectiveness of online dementia caregivers training programs: A systematic review. Pleasant, M., Molinari, V., Dobbs, D., et al.[2021]

This study is the first in the UK to evaluate the effectiveness of the WHO's 'iSupport for dementia carers' online program, targeting 350 informal carers experiencing stress and depression, to improve their mental health and caregiving skills.

The trial will assess both clinical outcomes (like distress and depression) and cost-effectiveness over 6 months, providing valuable insights into the benefits of online support for dementia caregivers compared to standard information.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Effects of an e-health intervention 'iSupport' for reducing distress of dementia carers: protocol for a randomised controlled trial and feasibility study. Windle, G., Flynn, G., Hoare, Z., et al.[2022]

The Home Safety Toolkit (HST) significantly improved caregiver competence in creating safer home environments for individuals with dementia, as evidenced by reduced caregiver strain and increased self-efficacy, with results showing statistical significance (P ≤ 0.001 for home safety and P = 0.002 for self-efficacy).

The intervention also led to a notable decrease in risky behaviors and accidents among care receivers, highlighting the effectiveness of the HST in enhancing safety for individuals with dementia living at home.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Clinical trial of a home safety toolkit for Alzheimer's disease. Horvath, KJ., Trudeau, SA., Rudolph, JL., et al.[2021]

Caregiver skill-building interventions for family caregivers of elderly individuals, particularly those caring for dementia patients, are more effective than traditional information and support interventions.

The study identifies essential content and skills that caregivers need to manage difficult behaviors, daily living activities, and cognitive decline in their care recipients, highlighting the importance of targeted training for effective caregiving.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Alzheimer's disease caregiving information and skills. Part I: care recipient issues and concerns. Farran, CJ., Loukissa, D., Perraud, S., et al.[2007]

The IHSS + ADRD Training Project is a 10-week online training program designed to improve dementia care knowledge among IHSS caregivers in Alameda County.

Preliminary results show that caregivers who completed the training experienced significant increases in their knowledge about dementia and their confidence in providing care, highlighting the need for ongoing training initiatives.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Enhancing Dementia Knowledge and Self-Efficacy of In-Home Supportive Services Caregivers Through Online Training. Yeh, J., Pond, B., Beld, M., et al.[2023]

A pilot study involving 35 family caregivers showed that the 4-week Learning Skills Together (LST) psychoeducation program significantly improved caregivers' self-efficacy in providing complex care tasks for persons living with dementia, with measurable improvements at both 4 and 8 weeks post-intervention.

Despite 53% of caregivers providing complex care without training, the LST program was well-received, with participants reporting high satisfaction and finding the information easy to understand, indicating its potential effectiveness in enhancing caregiver confidence.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Caregiver self-efficacy improves following complex care training: Results from the Learning Skills Together pilot study. Meyer, K., Glassner, A., Norman, R., et al.[2023]

The Internet-Based Savvy Caregiver (IBSC) program effectively enhances the knowledge and skills of dementia caregivers, as evidenced by positive feedback from 47 participants who found the program educational and useful.

Participants reported increased confidence in their caregiving abilities and improved communication with family members, indicating that the IBSC program is a feasible and beneficial resource for family caregivers of individuals with dementia.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Internet-based program for dementia caregivers. Lewis, ML., Hobday, JV., Hepburn, KW.[2022]

A study involving 88 Portuguese caregivers of persons with dementia identified five key training needs, with the most significant being knowledge about care interactions, particularly in providing high-quality care.

Caregivers expressed a preference for online training that uses plain language, has an easy-to-use interface, and includes communication with professionals, highlighting the importance of tailored support for their diverse needs.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Dementia caregivers training needs and preferences for online interventions: A mixed-methods study. Teles, S., Paúl, C., Sosa Napolskij, M., et al.[2022]

A qualitative study involving 36 caregivers of individuals with dementia explored their experiences with an online psychoeducational program called Tele-Savvy, highlighting its potential to overcome logistical barriers of in-person training.

Caregivers identified key areas for improvement, including enhancing rapport with instructors, diversifying content, and refining the program's structure, which can inform the development of future online caregiver training interventions.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

An Online Program for Caregivers of Persons Living With Dementia: Lessons Learned. Kovaleva, M., Blevins, L., Griffiths, PC., et al.[2022]

The review identified 14 key features that make a Web-based education program effective for dementia care, including being self-directed, interactive, and able to translate knowledge into clinical practice, based on an analysis of 46 studies.

The Dementia Care Competency and Training Network (DCC&TN) incorporates most of these effective features and serves as a promising model for future Web-based dementia training programs, highlighting the need for rigorous evaluation methods like Kirkpatrick's model to assess training outcomes.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

A Web-Based Dementia Education Program and its Application to an Australian Web-Based Dementia Care Competency and Training Network: Integrative Systematic Review. Moehead, A., DeSouza, K., Walsh, K., et al.[2020]

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Findings show online educational programs are feasible for informal family caregivers of dementia and have perceived value.