Dementia caregivers training needs and preferences for online interventions: A mixed-methods study

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Caregiver Support
• Dementia Care

Background:

• Informal dementia caregivers exhibit high, often unmet, needs across multiple domains.
• Caregivers experience lower service utilization compared to other caregiver groups.
• Existing research predominantly uses quantitative methods, overlooking subjective caregiver needs.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate informal caregivers' perceptions of training needs for dementia care.
• To explore caregivers' preferences for online training and support interventions.
• To identify key elements for designing effective digital health interventions for dementia caregivers.

Main Methods:

• A mixed-methods approach was employed.
• Eighty-eight Portuguese caregivers completed a web-based questionnaire with open-ended questions and rating scales.
• Content analysis of qualitative data and descriptive statistics of quantitative data were performed.

Main Results:

• Key training needs include dementia knowledge, care interactions, caregiver self-care, community resources, and legal/regulatory information.
• Providing quality care and managing care interactions were the most reported needs.
• Caregivers preferred online interventions with plain language, user-friendly interfaces, and direct communication with professionals.

Conclusions:

• Findings underscore the necessity for comprehensive interventions tailored to the multifaceted needs of dementia caregivers.
• The study offers valuable insights for developing and implementing effective online training and support programs.
• Results provide practical guidance for healthcare professionals supporting dementia caregivers.