I-CARE-Rural Pilot: Remote Digital Intervention for Rural-Dwelling Dementia Caregivers
Richard Holden
Summary
The purpose of this study is to assess feasibility and to estimate efficacy of our app "Brain CareNotes" for dementia caregivers who reside in a rural setting (as defined by RUCA codes 4 through 10). The Brain CareNotes app is designed to reduce informal caregiver burden of those caring for individuals with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (ADRD) and behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD) of individuals with ADRD. The study will enroll up to 60 rural caregivers of community-dwelling individuals living with ADRD. Caregivers will be randomized to use the Brain CareNotes app or an attention control education-only app for six months, with usage reminders.
Description
This study will evaluate the feasibility and estimate the effect of Brain CareNotes on caregiver burden and patient BPSD. The study will enroll up to 60 rural-dwelling caregivers. Participants will be randomized to use the Brain CareNotes app or an attention control education-only app (Dementia Guide Expert) for six months. The primary objective is to evaluate the feasibility of Brain CareNotes, as assessed by caregiver-reported a) usability, as assessed by the 10-item Simplified System Usability Scale and b) acceptance as assessed by the 4-item Behavioral Intention questionnaire. The second…
Eligibility
- Age range
- 18+ years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- No
Inclusion Criteria: * Self-identified primary unpaid rural (RUCA Code of 4-10) caregiver of a person diagnosed with ADRD (at any stage) who are: * Receiving primary care and * Community-dwelling; * English literate; * Age ≥ 18 years Exclusion Criteria: * Care recipient is a permanent resident of an extended care facility (nursing home); * Involvement in another clinical trial that would prevent or interfere with study objectives; * Sensory or other impairment prohibiting the use of a mobile touchscreen device or other study activity (after correction)
Interventions
- BehavioralBrain CareNotes
The Brain CareNotes mobile telehealth app is used by unpaid caregivers for BPSD management. It includes remote communication with an external human support person-a care coach-as well as features for users to independently perform health-related activities.
- BehavioralDementia Guide Expert
Dementia Guide Expert provides education only and no interactive BPSD management support, coaching, assessment, or external response. It contains "evidence-based expert information on what dementia is, types, contributing factors, risks, symptoms, stages, diagnosis, tests, treatment, management, communication techniques, and links to resources and support services."
Location
- Indiana University BloomingtonBloomington, Indiana