A Community-Based Approach to Refining the Enhancing Active Caregiver Training (EnACT) Intervention

Several interventions for care partners of persons living with dementia target the negative effects of behavioral symptoms. Evidence suggests that actively engaging care partners improves outcomes. However, there is little information on the best approaches to optimize active engagement. Enhancing Active Caregiver Training (EnACT) is an arts-based intervention designed to help care partners address the behavioral symptoms of dementia. The purpose of this study is to describe the process of partnering with care partners of persons living with dementia (n = 9) to refine EnACT. We conducted a series of three iterative focus groups to (1) identify video vignettes, (2) test intervention activities, and (3) gather feedback. Focus groups were analyzed in three cycles using structural, descriptive, and pattern coding. Intervention revisions focused on narrowing vignette topics, removing confusing components, enhancing accessibility, and adding facilitator training. Partnering with care partners improved intervention feasibility in preparation for future testing.