Developing and Testing the Enhancing Active Caregiver Training (EnACT) Intervention for Dementia Family Caregivers

Specific Aim 1: Develop and iteratively refine the EnACT intervention for ADRD caregivers.

A series of three sequential focus groups will be used to gather ADRD caregiver feedback about EnACT-intervention techniques, including frequency, duration, delivery, feasibility, acceptability, and relevance of the intervention. Between focus groups, the investigators will refine and edit the EnACT intervention in an iterative process. Intervention scenarios and activities will be chosen and refined as part of Aim 1 in preparation for testing feasibility and acceptability during Aim 2 and mechanisms of action in Aim 3.

Setting and Participants: The investigators will partner with community-based services through the Utah Caregiver Support Program and the Utah Alzheimer's Association to recruit 10 ADRD caregivers to participate in a series of three focus groups. Formal caregivers, persons under the age of 18, and individuals who have English fluency ratings of none or poor will be excluded.

Data Source: During Focus Group 1, participants will view previously developed video segments in order to identify those that caregivers prefer for intervention practice. Participants will also explore intervention activities to assess which are most useful and acceptable. Revisions to the process will be made based on reactions and feedback. During Focus Group 2, participants will work through a revision of the steps based on Focus Group 1 feedback using a second video segment focused on behavioral symptoms in ADRD. A prototype intervention manual will be developed based on feedback from the first two focus groups. Focus Group 3 will involve reviewing developed prototype materials (i.e., manuals, videos) and a discussion on acceptability, the logistics for incorporating this intervention into caregiver training, challenges, and benefits of activities. Feedback from this focus group will be incorporated into the EnACT intervention in preparation for Aims 2 and 3.

Measures: Each focus group will be audio-recorded and transcribed. The PI will also document observations and thoughts using field notes and journaling in order to account for bias. Focus group questions will focus on participant reactions to intervention steps (view, practice, reflect) to identify which activities are meaningful, facilitate or impede participation, and are of most help in ADRD caregiving. Participants will complete a demographic questionnaire to document age, caregiving experience, gender identity/sexual orientation, race/ethnicity, and education. All materials developed during the process of intervention development, including edits and revisions, will be retained as an audit trail.