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Girard A, Doucet A, Lambert M, Ouadfel S, Caron G, Hudon C. What is known about the role of external facilitators during the implementation of complex interventions in healthcare settings? A scoping review. BMJ Open 2024; 14:e084883. [PMID: 38951001 PMCID: PMC11328637 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2024-084883] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/03/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To synthesise current knowledge about the role of external facilitators as an individual role during the implementation of complex interventions in healthcare settings. DESIGN A scoping review was conducted. We reviewed original studies (between 2000 and 2023) about implementing an evidence-based complex intervention in a healthcare setting using external facilitators to support the implementation process. An information specialist used the following databases for the search strategy: MEDLINE, CINAHL, APA PsycINFO, Academic Search Complete, EMBASE (Scopus), Business Source Complete and SocINDEX. RESULTS 36 reports were included for analysis, including 34 different complex interventions. We performed a mixed thematic analysis to synthesise the data. We identified two primary external facilitator roles: lead facilitator and process expert facilitator. Process expert external facilitators have specific responsibilities according to their role and expertise in supporting three main processes: clinical, change management and knowledge/research management. CONCLUSIONS Future research should study processes supported by external facilitators and their relationship with facilitation strategies and implementation outcomes. Future systematic or realist reviews may also focus on outcomes and the effectiveness of external facilitation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ariane Girard
- School of Nursing, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Quebec, Canada
| | - Amélie Doucet
- Department of Psychology, Université du Québec à Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Mireille Lambert
- Department of Family Medicine and Emergency, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Quebec, Canada
| | - Sarah Ouadfel
- Department of Family Medicine and Emergency, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Quebec, Canada
| | - Genève Caron
- Departement of Psychology, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Quebec, Canada
| | - Catherine Hudon
- Department of Family Medicine and Emergency, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Quebec, Canada
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van Kessel R, Roman-Urrestarazu A, Anderson M, Kyriopoulos I, Field S, Monti G, Reed SD, Pavlova M, Wharton G, Mossialos E. Mapping Factors That Affect the Uptake of Digital Therapeutics Within Health Systems: Scoping Review. J Med Internet Res 2023; 25:e48000. [PMID: 37490322 PMCID: PMC10410406 DOI: 10.2196/48000] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2023] [Revised: 05/31/2023] [Accepted: 06/16/2023] [Indexed: 07/26/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Digital therapeutics are patient-facing digital health interventions that can significantly alter the health care landscape. Despite digital therapeutics being used to successfully treat a range of conditions, their uptake in health systems remains limited. Understanding the full spectrum of uptake factors is essential to identify ways in which policy makers and providers can facilitate the adoption of effective digital therapeutics within a health system, as well as the steps developers can take to assist in the deployment of products. OBJECTIVE In this review, we aimed to map the most frequently discussed factors that determine the integration of digital therapeutics into health systems and practical use of digital therapeutics by patients and professionals. METHODS A scoping review was conducted in MEDLINE, Web of Science, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, and Google Scholar. Relevant data were extracted and synthesized using a thematic analysis. RESULTS We identified 35,541 academic and 221 gray literature reports, with 244 (0.69%) included in the review, covering 35 countries. Overall, 85 factors that can impact the uptake of digital therapeutics were extracted and pooled into 5 categories: policy and system, patient characteristics, properties of digital therapeutics, characteristics of health professionals, and outcomes. The need for a regulatory framework for digital therapeutics was the most stated factor at the policy level. Demographic characteristics formed the most iterated patient-related factor, whereas digital literacy was considered the most important factor for health professionals. Among the properties of digital therapeutics, their interoperability across the broader health system was most emphasized. Finally, the ability to expand access to health care was the most frequently stated outcome measure. CONCLUSIONS The map of factors developed in this review offers a multistakeholder approach to recognizing the uptake factors of digital therapeutics in the health care pathway and provides an analytical tool for policy makers to assess their health system's readiness for digital therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robin van Kessel
- LSE Health, Department of Health Policy, London School of Economics and Political Science, London, United Kingdom
- Department of International Health, Care and Public Health Research Institute, Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Andres Roman-Urrestarazu
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, United States
| | - Michael Anderson
- LSE Health, Department of Health Policy, London School of Economics and Political Science, London, United Kingdom
| | - Ilias Kyriopoulos
- LSE Health, Department of Health Policy, London School of Economics and Political Science, London, United Kingdom
| | - Samantha Field
- Department of Health Services Research and Policy, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Giovanni Monti
- LSE Health, Department of Health Policy, London School of Economics and Political Science, London, United Kingdom
| | - Shelby D Reed
- Duke Clinical Research Institute, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, United States
| | - Milena Pavlova
- Department of Health Services Research, Care and Public Health Research Institute, Faculty of Health Medicine and Life Science, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - George Wharton
- LSE Health, Department of Health Policy, London School of Economics and Political Science, London, United Kingdom
| | - Elias Mossialos
- LSE Health, Department of Health Policy, London School of Economics and Political Science, London, United Kingdom
- Institute of Global Health Innovation, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
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Bastoni S, van Gemert-Pijnen L, Sanderman R, van Dongen A. Implementation of eMental health technologies for informal caregivers: A multiple case study. Front Digit Health 2023; 5:1130866. [PMID: 37035479 PMCID: PMC10081674 DOI: 10.3389/fdgth.2023.1130866] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2022] [Accepted: 03/09/2023] [Indexed: 04/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Informal caregivers offer continuous unpaid support to loved ones who are unable to live independently. Providing care can be a very burdensome commitment, that heavily impacts informal caregivers' mental health. eMental health is a possible, yet challenging, solution to improve caregivers' mental health and their overall experience of caregiving. In fact, eMental health technologies often face challenges of implementation. The present work gathers knowledge on how to best deal with these challenges by collecting testimonies of implementation experts of eight eMental health technologies for informal caregivers with the aim of comparing them and extracting lessons learned. Methods For this multiple case study, technologies were selected (through informal suggestions and independent search) according to the following inclusion criteria: they were intended for informal caregivers as main user group, were aimed at improving informal caregivers' mental wellbeing and caregiving experience and were available and running in real life settings in Europe. Ten interviews were conducted (two pilots and eight included cases). The interviewees were asked to provide a description of the technology and its aims and their implementation approach, method and frameworks used. Finally, determinants of implementation, the influence of the Covid-19 pandemic on implementation processes and lessons learned were investigated. Results The results highlight key differences between technologies developed within academia and the industry regarding efficacy testing and use and use and choice of frameworks. Also, similarities in terms of recognized barriers such as financing are illustrated. Discussion Possible ways to overcome main barriers and examples of best practices, such as structuring a business model and discussing tool maintenance and long-term hosting in advance, are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sofia Bastoni
- Department of Psychology, Health and Technology, Centre for eHealth and Wellbeing Research, University of Twente, Enschede, Netherlands
- Correspondence: Sofia Bastoni
| | - Lisette van Gemert-Pijnen
- Department of Psychology, Health and Technology, Centre for eHealth and Wellbeing Research, University of Twente, Enschede, Netherlands
| | - Robbert Sanderman
- Department of Psychology, Health and Technology, Centre for eHealth and Wellbeing Research, University of Twente, Enschede, Netherlands
- Department of Health Psychology, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Anne van Dongen
- Department of Psychology, Health and Technology, Centre for eHealth and Wellbeing Research, University of Twente, Enschede, Netherlands
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Coumoundouros C, Mårtensson E, Ferraris G, Zuidberg JM, von Essen L, Sanderman R, Woodford J. Implementation of e-Mental Health Interventions for Informal Caregivers of Adults With Chronic Diseases: Mixed Methods Systematic Review With a Qualitative Comparative Analysis and Thematic Synthesis. JMIR Ment Health 2022; 9:e41891. [PMID: 36314782 PMCID: PMC9752475 DOI: 10.2196/41891] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2022] [Accepted: 10/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Informal caregivers commonly experience mental health difficulties related to their caregiving role. e-Mental health interventions provide mental health support in a format that may be more accessible to informal caregivers. However, e-mental health interventions are seldom implemented in real-world practice. OBJECTIVE This mixed methods systematic review aimed to examine factors associated with the effectiveness and implementation of e-mental health interventions for informal caregivers of adults with chronic diseases. To achieve this aim, two approaches were adopted: combinations of implementation and intervention characteristics sufficient for intervention effectiveness were explored using qualitative comparative analysis, and barriers to and facilitators of implementation of e-mental health interventions for informal caregivers were explored using thematic synthesis. METHODS We identified relevant studies published from January 1, 2007, to July 6, 2022, by systematically searching 6 electronic databases and various secondary search strategies. Included studies reported on the effectiveness or implementation of e-mental health interventions for informal caregivers of adults with cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, dementia, diabetes, heart disease, or stroke. Randomized controlled trials reporting on caregivers' mental health outcomes were included in a crisp-set qualitative comparative analysis. We assessed randomized controlled trials for bias using the Risk of Bias 2.0 tool, and we assessed how pragmatic or explanatory their trial design was using the Pragmatic Explanatory Continuum Indicator Summary 2 tool. Studies of any design reporting on implementation were included in a thematic synthesis using the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research to identify barriers to and facilitators of implementation. RESULTS Overall, 53 reports, representing 29 interventions, were included in the review. Most interventions (27/29, 93%) focused on informal cancer or dementia caregivers. In total, 14 reports were included in the qualitative comparative analysis, exploring conditions including the presence of peer or professional support and key persuasive design features. Low consistency and coverage prevented the determination of condition sets sufficient for intervention effectiveness. Overall, 44 reports were included in the thematic synthesis, and 152 barriers and facilitators were identified, with the majority related to the intervention and individual characteristic domains of the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research. Implementation barriers and facilitators in the inner setting (eg, organizational culture) and outer setting (eg, external policies and resources) domains were largely unexplored. CONCLUSIONS e-Mental health interventions for informal caregivers tend to be well-designed, with several barriers to and facilitators of implementation identified related to the intervention and individual user characteristics. Future work should focus on exploring the views of stakeholders involved in implementation to determine barriers to and facilitators of implementing e-mental health interventions for informal caregivers, focusing on inner and outer setting barriers and facilitators. TRIAL REGISTRATION PROSPERO (International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews) CRD42020155727; https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?ID=CRD42020155727. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID) RR2-10.1136/bmjopen-2019-035406.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chelsea Coumoundouros
- Healthcare Sciences and e-Health, Department of Women's and Children's Health, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Erika Mårtensson
- Healthcare Sciences and e-Health, Department of Women's and Children's Health, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden.,Centre for Gender Research, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Giulia Ferraris
- Department of Health Psychology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | | | - Louise von Essen
- Healthcare Sciences and e-Health, Department of Women's and Children's Health, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Robbert Sanderman
- Department of Health Psychology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands.,Department of Psychology, Health and Technology, University of Twente, Enschede, Netherlands
| | - Joanne Woodford
- Healthcare Sciences and e-Health, Department of Women's and Children's Health, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
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Di Lorito C, Bosco A, Rai H, Craven M, McNally D, Todd C, Booth V, Cowley A, Howe L, Harwood RH. A systematic literature review and meta-analysis on digital health interventions for people living with dementia and Mild Cognitive Impairment. Int J Geriatr Psychiatry 2022; 37:10.1002/gps.5730. [PMID: 35588315 PMCID: PMC9321868 DOI: 10.1002/gps.5730] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2022] [Accepted: 04/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Digital health interventions enable services to support people living with dementia and Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) remotely. This literature review gathers evidence on the effectiveness of digital health interventions on physical, cognitive, behavioural and psychological outcomes, and Activities of Daily Living in people living with dementia and MCI. METHODS/DESIGN Searches, using nine databases, were run in November 2021. Two authors carried out study selection/appraisal using the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme checklist. Study characteristics were extracted through the Cochrane handbook for systematic reviews of interventions data extraction form. Data on digital health interventions were extracted through the template for intervention description and replication (TIDieR) checklist and guide. Intervention effectiveness was determined through effect sizes. Meta-analyses were performed to pool data on intervention effectiveness. RESULTS Twenty studies were included in the review, with a diverse range of interventions, modes of delivery, activities, duration, length, frequency, and intensity. Compared to controls, the interventions produced a moderate effect on cognitive abilities (SMD = 0.36; 95% CI = -0.03 to 0.76; I2 = 61%), and a negative moderate effect on basic ADLs (SMD = -0.40; 95% CI = -0.86 to 0.05; I2 = 69%). Stepping exergames generated the largest effect sizes on physical and cognitive abilities. Supervised training produced larger effect sizes than unsupervised interventions. CONCLUSION Supervised intervention delivery is linked to greatest benefits. A mix of remote and face-to-face delivery could maximise benefits and optimise costs. Accessibility, acceptability and sustainability of digital interventions for end-users must be pre-requisites for the development of future successful services.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Harleen Rai
- Computer and Information SciencesUniversity of StrathclydeGlasgowUK
| | | | - Donal McNally
- Faculty of EngineeringUniversity of NottinghamNottinghamUK
| | - Chris Todd
- School of Health SciencesUniversity of ManchesterManchesterUK
| | - Vicky Booth
- School of MedicineUniversity of NottinghamNottinghamUK
| | - Alison Cowley
- Nottingham University Hospitals NHS TrustNottinghamUK
| | - Louise Howe
- School of MedicineUniversity of NottinghamNottinghamUK
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Bartels SL, Johnsson SI, Boersma K, Flink I, McCracken LM, Petersson S, Christie HL, Feldman I, Simons LE, Onghena P, Vlaeyen JWS, Wicksell RK. Development, evaluation and implementation of a digital behavioural health treatment for chronic pain: study protocol of the multiphase DAHLIA project. BMJ Open 2022; 12:e059152. [PMID: 35428645 PMCID: PMC9014062 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2021-059152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Chronic pain affects about 20%-40% of the population and is linked to mental health outcomes and impaired daily functioning. Pharmacological interventions are commonly insufficient for producing relief and recovery of functioning. Behavioural health treatment is key to generate lasting benefits across outcome domains. However, most people with chronic pain cannot easily access evidence-based behavioural interventions. The overall aim of the DAHLIA project is to develop, evaluate and implement a widely accessible digital behavioural health treatment to improve well-being in individuals with chronic pain. METHODS AND ANALYSIS The project follows the four phases of the mHealth Agile Development and Evaluation Lifecycle: (1) development and pre-implementation surveillance using focus groups, stakeholder interviews and a business model; (2) iterative optimisation studies applying single case experimental design (SCED) method in 4-6 iterations with n=10 patients and their healthcare professionals per iteration; (3) a two-armed clinical randomised controlled trial enhanced with SCED (n=180 patients per arm) and (4) interview-based post-market surveillance. Data analyses include multilevel modelling, cost-utility and indicative analyses.In October 2021, inter-sectorial partners are engaged and funding is secured for four years. The treatment content is compiled and the first treatment prototype is in preparation. Clinical sites in three Swedish regions are informed and recruitment for phase 1 will start in autumn 2021. To facilitate long-term impact and accessibility, the treatment will be integrated into a Swedish health platform (www.1177.se), which is used on a national level as a hub for advice, information, guidance and e-services for health and healthcare. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION The study plan has been reviewed and approved by Swedish ethical review authorities. Findings will be actively disseminated through peer-reviewed journals, conference presentations, social media and outreach activities for the wider public. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER NCT05066087.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sophie I Johnsson
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Katja Boersma
- Center for Health and Medical Psychology (CHAMP), School of Law, Psychology, and Social Work, Örebro University, Orebro, Sweden
| | - Ida Flink
- Center for Health and Medical Psychology (CHAMP), School of Law, Psychology, and Social Work, Örebro University, Orebro, Sweden
| | - Lance M McCracken
- Division of Clinical Psychology, Department of Psychology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Suzanne Petersson
- Department of Medicine and Optometry, Linnaeus University, Kalmar, Sweden
| | - Hannah L Christie
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology and Alzheimer Centre Limburg, School for Mental Health and Neurosciences, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Inna Feldman
- Department of Public Health and Caring Science, Uppsala Universitet, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Laura E Simons
- Department of Anaesthesiology, Perioperative, and Pain Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Patrick Onghena
- Research Group on Methods, Individual and Cultural Differences, Affect and Social Behavior, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Johan W S Vlaeyen
- Research Group Health Psychology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Research Group Experimental Health Psychology, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Rikard K Wicksell
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
- Pain Clinic, Capio St. Göran Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
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Bruinsma J, Peetoom K, Boots L, Daemen M, Verhey F, Bakker C, de Vugt M. Tailoring the web-based 'Partner in Balance' intervention to support spouses of persons with frontotemporal dementia. Internet Interv 2021; 26:100442. [PMID: 34430221 PMCID: PMC8365437 DOI: 10.1016/j.invent.2021.100442] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2021] [Revised: 08/03/2021] [Accepted: 08/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
UNLABELLED Frontotemporal dementia (FTD) typically starts before the age of 65 years, and symptoms differ from other dementias (e.g. Alzheimer's dementia). Spouses are often caregiver and experience difficulty coping with the profound changes in personality and behavior accompanying FTD. Most interventions available to these spouses do not match their need for tailored and flexible psychosocial support. Therefore, tailored content for spouses of persons with FTD was recently incorporated in the proven effective and web-based Partner in Balance intervention. METHODS This feasibility study prospectively evaluated the tailored Partner in Balance content for spouses of persons with FTD. Spouses followed the 8-week intervention, and qualitative and quantitative measures were used to evaluate expectations and barriers prior to participation and aspects of usability, feasibility, and acceptability of content. Additionally, effects were explored regarding caregiver self-efficacy, sense of mastery, stress, depression and anxiety. RESULTS Twenty-seven spouses caring for a spouse with FTD at home started the intervention. Eventually, 20 completed the intervention (74.1%). Partner in Balance matched the expectations of participating spouses and helped them to find a better balance between caregiving and personal life, acquire more peace of mind, and facilitated coping with behavioral and communication difficulties. Before participation, time restraints were identified as a potential barrier, but afterwards spouses positively evaluated the flexibility of the web-based approach that allowed them to participate at a convenient time and place. They valued the recognizability of the videos and narrative stories on FTD. Post-intervention, spouses qualitatively felt more confident, more at ease, and strengthened as a caregiver. Quantitatively, levels of self-efficacy, anxiety and depression significantly improved. CONCLUSIONS Partner in Balance is a usable, feasible, and acceptable intervention for spouses caring for a spouse with FTD at home. Healthcare organizations could consider adopting Partner in Balance in their daily practice to offer flexible and tailored support to spouses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeroen Bruinsma
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology/Alzheimer Centre Limburg, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands,Corresponding author.
| | - Kirsten Peetoom
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology/Alzheimer Centre Limburg, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Lizzy Boots
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology/Alzheimer Centre Limburg, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Maud Daemen
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology/Alzheimer Centre Limburg, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Frans Verhey
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology/Alzheimer Centre Limburg, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Christian Bakker
- Department of Primary and Community care, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, the Netherlands,Radboudumc Alzheimer Centre, Nijmegen, the Netherlands,Groenhuysen, Centre for Specialized Geriatric Care, Roosendaal, the Netherlands
| | - Marjolein de Vugt
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology/Alzheimer Centre Limburg, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands
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Bruinsma J, Peetoom K, Bakker C, Boots L, Millenaar J, Verhey F, de Vugt M. Tailoring and evaluating the web-based 'Partner in Balance' intervention for family caregivers of persons with young-onset dementia. Internet Interv 2021; 25:100390. [PMID: 33996507 PMCID: PMC8102413 DOI: 10.1016/j.invent.2021.100390] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2021] [Revised: 04/07/2021] [Accepted: 04/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
UNLABELLED Young-onset dementia (YOD) poses specific challenges for caregivers involved. However, most available support does not address their specific needs. Previously, the web-based Partner in Balance intervention showed promising results and facilitated role adaptation in dementia caregivers. Although the web-based format proved a good fit for YOD caregivers, the evaluation showed a need for tailored content on YOD. Therefore, new content was iteratively developed respectively for spouses and other family caregivers of persons with YOD. This study evaluates how caregivers perceived the tailored content. METHODS A pre-post design was used to prospectively evaluate how end-users perceived two tailored versions of the Partner in Balance intervention, one for spouses and one for other family members of people with YOD. After the intervention, participants were interviewed for approximately 60 min in-person or by telephone using the Program Participation Questionnaire. A qualitative deductive content analysis was used to evaluate (1) usability, (2) feasibility and acceptability, (3) perceptions on intervention content. To evaluate if the intervention facilitated role adaptation, preliminary effects were examined using pre-post questionnaires on self-efficacy, mastery, stress, anxiety and depression. RESULTS Spouses (n = 11) and other family members (n = 14) both positively evaluated the tailored content on YOD and valued that the web-based approach could easily be integrated in daily life. Participants perceived the intervention as usable, feasible and acceptable. Participants valued the recognizability of the content. Goal-setting helped participants to translate the intervention to daily life, although for some participants setting goals was difficult. Caregivers of persons with frontotemporal dementia suggested incorporating specific content to further increase recognizability. After participation, participants felt better equipped for the caregiving role. In line with previously demonstrated effects on generic modules of Partner in Balance, the tailored version increased levels of self-efficacy in the group of other family caregivers, t(12) = 3.37, p = .006. CONCLUSION The tailored Partner in Balance intervention was positively evaluated by YOD caregivers. Offering participants more guidance on goal-setting and adding content about frontotemporal dementia may facilitate implementation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeroen Bruinsma
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology/Alzheimer Centre Limburg, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Kirsten Peetoom
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology/Alzheimer Centre Limburg, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Christian Bakker
- Department of Primary and Community care, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, the Netherlands,Radboudumc Alzheimer Centre, Nijmegen, the Netherlands,Groenhuysen, Centre for Specialized Geriatric Care, Roosendaal, the Netherlands
| | - Lizzy Boots
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology/Alzheimer Centre Limburg, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | | | - Frans Verhey
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology/Alzheimer Centre Limburg, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Marjolein de Vugt
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology/Alzheimer Centre Limburg, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands,Corresponding author at: Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology/Alzheimer Centre Limburg, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, P.O. UNS.40 box 616, 6200 MD Maastricht, the Netherlands.
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