A Telehealth Education Program for Caregivers of Veterans With Dementia
Trial Snapshot
- Phase
- Not Applicable
- Status
- Completed
- Enrollment
- 160
- Locations
- 4
- Primary Endpoint
- Reduction in veteran agitation and symptoms of depression; increase in caregiver management skills
Study Overview
Brief Summary
This study was designed to evaluate the impact of a Telehealth Education Program (TEP) on outpatient veterans with moderate to severe dementia and their spouse caregivers. The TEP is a program of education, coping skills, problem solving and support presented to caregivers of veterans with dementia by teleconference in 10 weekly, one-hour sessions. The TEP was based on a stress and coping model aimed to enhance the knowledge, skills and feelings of support of the caregivers who participated.
Detailed Description
Background:
This study was designed to evaluate the impact of a Telehealth Education Program (TEP) on outpatient veterans with moderate to severe dementia and their spouse caregivers. The TEP is a program of education, coping skills, problem solving and support presented to caregivers of veterans with dementia by teleconference in 10 weekly, one-hour sessions. The TEP was based on a stress and coping model aimed to enhance the knowledge, skills and feelings of support of the caregivers who participated.
Objectives:
The objectives of this study were to: 1) evaluate the impact of TEP on outpatient veterans with dementia; and 2) to help spousal caregivers gain the knowledge and skills necessary to provide the highest quality of care possible for their spouse in order to prevent unnecessary healthcare utilization and premature institutionalization. In addition, a second objective was to develop a TEP training manual for VA clinical staff and a TEP workbook for family members.
Methods:
Study Design
- Study Type
- Interventional
- Allocation
- Randomized
- Intervention Model
- Single Group
- Masking
- None
Eligibility Criteria
- Sex
- All
- Accepts Healthy Volunteers
- No
Inclusion Criteria
- •spouse of veteran
- •clinical diagnosis of dementia/Alzheimers
- •verbal approval from primary care provider
- •living with partner
Exclusion Criteria
- •not spouse of veteran
- •no clinical diagnosis of dementia
- •no verbal approval from PCP
- •not living with partner
Outcomes
Primary Outcomes
Reduction in veteran agitation and symptoms of depression; increase in caregiver management skills
Secondary Outcomes
- Veterans will experience fewer hospitalizations and nursing home admissions