Online Course for Dementia Caregivers

Overseen By Molly Perkins, PhD

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: Emory University

Disqualifiers: Considering institutionalization

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

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 5

48 Participants Needed

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial aims to help caregivers of people with dementia feel more confident and effective in their roles. It tests an online course that combines live group sessions with self-paced learning materials to assess its impact on both the caregiver's and the care recipient's well-being. The trial seeks participants who have been caring for someone with dementia diagnosed in the past six months and who have internet access and a device for participation. As an unphased trial, this study offers caregivers a unique opportunity to enhance their skills and improve their well-being through innovative online learning.

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications.

What prior data suggests that this online course is safe for dementia caregivers?

Research has shown that online education programs for caregivers are generally well-received. In past studies, participants in virtual caregiver education programs reported feeling more confident and capable, with no major negative effects. These studies aimed to enhance caregivers' skills and well-being, and participants did not mention any serious safety issues.

The program in this trial includes a mix of live and recorded online sessions, similar to those in past programs. It is designed to support caregivers immediately after a dementia diagnosis, helping them learn their new role. Although specific safety data for this exact program is not available, educational courses like this typically do not pose risks to participants. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about the online course for dementia caregivers because it offers a flexible and supportive learning environment that current options may lack. Unlike traditional in-person support groups or educational sessions, this course combines live online meetings with on-demand instructional materials, giving caregivers the freedom to learn at their own pace. By providing both synchronous and asynchronous elements, it caters to the diverse schedules and needs of caregivers, helping them gain valuable skills and knowledge without added stress. This approach aims to enhance the caregiving experience, ultimately improving outcomes for both caregivers and those living with dementia.

What evidence suggests that this online course is effective for dementia caregivers?

Studies have shown that online education programs for caregivers can be effective. One program helped caregivers feel more capable and confident in their roles. Another online program, Tele-Savvy, adapted from an in-person course, also showed positive results. These programs help caregivers feel more in control and better prepared. Despite challenges in delivering online education, many find these programs useful for learning how to care for someone with dementia. Participants in this trial will engage in a synchronous/asynchronous online course designed to provide similar benefits, combining weekly small group sessions with asynchronous instructional materials. ^{1 3 4 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 caregivers of individuals recently diagnosed with dementia. It aims to help them master caregiving skills through an online course that can be taken at their own pace or in real-time.

Inclusion Criteria

Has access to an electronic device and/or access to broadband internet

Able to speak and understand English. Caregivers are not required to be co-located with the care recipient.

I am over 21 years old.

Exclusion Criteria

Considering moving the PLWD to an institutional setting within the next 6 months.

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Psychoeducation Program

Participants engage in a 5-week online psychoeducation program with weekly synchronous sessions and asynchronous materials

5 weeks

5 weekly online sessions

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for changes in caregiver mastery and self-efficacy at 1 and 3 months post-intervention

3 months

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• Synchronous/asynchronous online course

Trial Overview The study is testing a psychoeducation program delivered online, both live and on-demand, to see if it improves the ability of caregivers to manage their duties and enhances the well-being of both caregiver and person with dementia.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: Synchronous/asynchronous online course Participants Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

The program will combine 5 weekly small group (8 participants) 90-120-minute online sessions with asynchronous instructional materials delivered 2-4 days in between sessions. A time suited to all for the synchronous sessions will be identified. The research team will provide instructions for accessing the weekly sessions and asynchronous segments, and mail out supplemental course materials. The team will track online attendance, and the Canvas platform will enable them to monitor each individual's viewing of the asynchronous materials.

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+

Citations

1. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9108574/

Efficacy of a Virtual Education Program for Family ... This virtual caregiver education program was effective in improving caregiver confidence and self-efficacy and participants' self-reported impact was ...

2. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7989248/

Results of a Randomized Trial Testing the Efficacy of Tele ... A three-armed, waitlist, randomized trial design tested Tele-Savvy, an online adaptation of a successful in-person psychoeducation program, the Savvy Caregiver.

3. clinicaltrials.gov clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT04951037

Producing a Fully Asynchronous Online Savvy Program This study seeks to develop and test a fully online, self-administered psychoeducation program to enhance the caregiving mastery of family and friends who ...

4. sciencedirect.com sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2352013222001156

Review Challenges of conducting of online educational ... This integrative review aimed to understand the challenges of conducting online educational programs for family caregivers of people with dementia.

5. journals.sagepub.com journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.3233/JAD-215359

Efficacy of a Virtual Education Program for Family ... This was a pre-post comparison of a five-week, synchronous, virtual caregiver education program delivered by a clinician and caregiver support specialist ...

6. clinicaltrials.gov clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT07006116

Study Details | NCT07006116 | Caregiver Bootcamp Asynchronous online course: available segments of the online course with asynchronous instructional materials delivered 2-4 days in between sessions, and ...

7. researchgate.net researchgate.net/publication/376724664_RESULTS_OF_AN_ONLINE_CAREGIVING_DURING_CRISIS_COURSE

results of an online caregiving during crisis course The course was developed to enhance caregivers' sense of mastery for their role as systems navigator with the secondary effects of improving ...