通过群组视频会议为孤立的痴呆症患者照顾者实施同伴支持计划。

Implementing a peer-support programme by group videoconferencing for isolated carers of people with dementia.

机构信息

CQUniversity, Australia.

Prevention First, Australia.

出版信息

J Telemed Telecare. 2019 Oct;25(9):572-577. doi: 10.1177/1357633X19873793.

DOI:10.1177/1357633X19873793

PMID:31631761

Abstract

INTRODUCTION

Carers support programmes are commonly delivered in person, limiting attendance opportunities for rural carers and others who have access barriers. Studies using technology typically use text-based forums rather than real-time technology such as videoconferencing (VC). Delivering home-based carers support programmes by VC may mitigate barriers for accessing support. We report implementation findings for delivering a telehealth peer-support programme for isolated carers of people with dementia.

METHODS

Participants were recruited through aged care providers, peak bodies and media activities. Inclusion criteria were primary dementia caregiver with Internet access and being socially or geographically isolated. The study design was a staggered randomised waitlist design. Measures included the UCLA Loneliness Scale (ULS-6) and selected scales from the e-Health Literacy Questionnaire. Recruitment activities utilised digital processes. Participants completed a six-week programme delivered by VC. Qualitative data comprised logs detailing administration and IT procedures and difficulties. Post programme, 28 participants undertook semi-structured interviews. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and thematic analysis.

RESULTS

There were 16 groups comprising 69 participants located throughout Australia, with 87% using their own devices. Technical issues were few but included connection problems, which were compounded by low digital literacy skills. Qualitative data themes included changing perceptions in using technology, differences in communicating by VC and technical support required. Recruitment activities were time-consuming and would benefit from IT tailored for group-based work. Eight groups continued to meet on a self-organised basis.

DISCUSSION

Providing peer-support groups using telehealth may have the potential to develop self-sustaining peer networks for isolated caregivers of people with dementia.

摘要

简介

护理人员支持计划通常以面对面的方式提供，这限制了农村护理人员和其他有准入障碍的人的参与机会。使用技术的研究通常使用基于文本的论坛，而不是视频会议（VC）等实时技术。通过 VC 提供家庭护理人员支持计划可能有助于克服获取支持的障碍。我们报告了为孤立的痴呆症患者护理人员提供远程健康同伴支持计划的实施结果。

方法

参与者通过老年护理提供者、行业协会和媒体活动招募。纳入标准为具有互联网访问权限且处于社会或地理隔离状态的主要痴呆症护理人员。研究设计为交错随机候补名单设计。测量包括加州大学洛杉矶分校孤独量表（UCLA Loneliness Scale，UCLA-6）和电子健康素养问卷中的选定量表。招募活动采用数字流程。参与者完成了一个为期六周的 VC 计划。定性数据包括详细记录管理和 IT 程序以及困难的日志。在计划结束后，28 名参与者进行了半结构化访谈。使用描述性统计和主题分析对数据进行分析。

结果

共有 16 个小组，包括来自澳大利亚各地的 69 名参与者，其中 87%使用自己的设备。技术问题很少，但包括连接问题，这些问题因数字素养技能较低而变得更加复杂。定性数据主题包括使用技术的观念变化、通过 VC 进行沟通的差异以及所需的技术支持。招募活动耗时且将受益于针对小组工作定制的 IT。八个小组继续自行组织会议。